HSE pays tribute to campaigner and former colleague - Leigh Gath

The HSE is paying tribute to Leigh Gath, the well-known and successful disability campaigner and the first office holder of then new position of confidential recipient. Leigh passed away unexpectedly at her home at the weekend (27 July 2024).

Over the course of many years Leigh campaigned for equality on many fronts, particularly for people living with disability. As a survivor of Thalidomide, she went far beyond that condition to all aspects of inclusion, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities.

In late 2014 Leigh became the HSE’s first ever confidential recipient following the Aras Attracta abuse scandal.  She remained in the role until September 2022 and saw through many changes not only in building and adapting that role but also challenging the HSE to develop much more robust structures and processes for people who experience vulnerability in their lives.

Speaking on the news of her death HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said:

“I was very privileged to know Leigh professionally and personally over several years. She achieved many great things and always for the benefit of others.  She gave a voice to many who otherwise were silent, and she challenged all professionals and organisations and Governments to think differently. Leigh was never defined by her own disability.  When the serious work was done for a day, she was always great fun to bump into and would lift the mood of those who encountered her. To Eugene, Karl, and Aisling, we in the HSE as Leigh’s friends and former colleagues, extend our deepest sympathy.  She was a unique person perhaps best described in the title of her book ‘Don't Tell Me I Can't’.  May her kind soul rest in peac.”