High-profile medic Professor Jim Dornan has died aged 73.
The father of actor Jamie Dornan passed away after having suffered Covid-19.
Fifteen years ago Professor Dornan successfully beat leukaemia and it left him with chronically poor lungs.
More than two weeks ago, Professor Dornan tested postive for Covid-19.
His first wife Lorna Dornan had stage four pancreatic cancer and died in July 1998.
Professor Dornan was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with the Belfast trust from 1986 to 2012, professor of Foetal Medicine at Queen's University, Belfast from 1995 to 2012 and senior vice-president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists from 2004 to 2006.
He was chair of Health and Life Sciences at Ulster University and head of department with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain.
In May, he had been part of a panel discussing the all-island health impact of following two government approaches to the pandemic across Ireland organised by pressure group, Ireland's Future.
Professor Dornan was asked to appear in the third series of ITV drama Marcella, which was shot in Belfast and stars Anna Friel. He had previously played a policeman on the BBC thriller drama The Fall, which also starred his son, Jamie and Gillian Anderson.
Tributes were paid following the news that Mr Dornan had passed away.
Very sad news this morning of the passing of Prof Jim Dornan. A man very well respected throughout the community and across the medical profession. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) March 15, 2021
Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: “I was very saddened and shocked to hear this news.
“My deepest condolences go to his family and many friends.
“Professor Dornan made an immense contribution to obstetrics and fetomaternal medicine. He held a number of significant and important leadership roles in the health service both in Northern Ireland and nationally.
“I trust his family will take some comfort from the lasting legacy he leaves behind, and the esteem in which he was held by so many people at home and abroad.”
Journalist Eamonn Mallie, a friend of Professor Dornan's, said that he was a "larger than life character. He was such engaging company - delightful, challenging and radical. A visionary. Not long before he died he talked about his long standing aspiration to figure out a way to resolve the issue of still births."
So many lives saved by one man. https://t.co/j9mNi0sBQx
— Mark Simpson (@BBCMarkSimpson) March 15, 2021
Posting on social media this morning, Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI wrote: "Incredibly sad news to share this morning as we learnt of the passing of Professor Jim Dornan.
"Jim was a passionate patron, advocate and long time friend to all at Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI.
"A champion for many local charities and causes in NI, Jim always gave his time and advice freely with big smile and plenty of fun.
"He leaves a lasting legacy to the charity sector, the medical sector and to his family, friends and colleagues.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Jim's family and friends at this very sad time. RIP Jim."
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. 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."
He leaves behind his wife - top gynaecologist Samina Dornan - and three children Liesa, Jessica and Jamie, who starred in the Fifty Shades of Grey movies.
