Professor Jim Dornan, dad of actor Jamie Dornan, has died while abroad

Tributes have been paid to one of Northern Ireland’s leading medical experts, Professor Jim Dornan, following his death in the Middle East.
Prof Jim Dornan, Chair Health and Life Sciences Ulster University. Photo: William Cherry/PresseyeProf Jim Dornan, Chair Health and Life Sciences Ulster University. Photo: William Cherry/Presseye
Prof Jim Dornan, Chair Health and Life Sciences Ulster University. Photo: William Cherry/Presseye

Prof Dornan, a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist, was chair of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Ulster and a former chair of Fetal Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast.

He delivered more than 6,000 babies during a distinguished medical career.

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In a Twitter message on Monday morning, the BBCNI health correspondent said: “It is with much sadness that I am writing that Professor Jim Dornan has died.

“Hard to accept that someone with so much life, wit, and full of advice and laughter has left this world. A true friend. Thoughts are with his family and medical friends around the world. RIP Jim.”

Also on Twitter, the chair of the Tiny Life charity Alison McNulty said:”The Board and Staff @TinyLifeCharity are deeply saddened by the passing of our Founder and President Prof Jim Dornan. He was an inspirational, warm hearted and genuine man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. We wish to offer our condolences to his family.”

The NIPANC pancreatic cancer charity also paid tribute to Prof Dornan’s “life of public service”.

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A spokesperson tweeted: “It is with great sadness that NIPANC has heard of the death of Professor Jim Dornan, who died in the UAE on 15 March.

“Jim, who was the President of NIPANC, the Northern Ireland pancreatic cancer charity, lived a life of public service.”

In his own tribute, North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said: “It is with great sadness that I learnt this morning of the passing of world renowned professor Jim Dornan. I wish to express to his wife Samina and his children Jamie, Liesa, and Jessica my profound sadness.

“Jim was a wonderful man, he was engaged in political lobbying and promotion of many medical and non medical issues. Above all he loved Northern Ireland and was so proud of this place.”

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In a statement, Mr Paisley added: “His ambition, expressed often to me, was to see Northern Ireland and its people flourish and be the best. No obstacle was ever insurmountable for him and he was a great source of encouragement.

“I will miss our many chats and text messages and his ability to challenge and encourage change.”

One former patient tweeted: “That’s so sad to hear. He was my consultant when expecting the boys and knew I was in labour before I did. Brought me in next day and the rest us history. I thought he was great. Thinking of his family today RIP.”

Another said: “Sad to hear this. Many years ago my wife and I were going a particularly difficult time and Prof Dornan was a huge help to us. He exuded kindness and compassion. A really lovely man. RIP.”

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