Tributes to Professor Anthony Staines as 'advocate for equality in healthcare' dies

Prof Anthony Staines worked in several different areas, including as the professor of health systems at Dublin City University.
Picture: Denis Minihane

Tributes have been paid to Professor Anthony Staines for his commitment to equality in healthcare, kindness, and dedication to patients’ rights.

Professor Staines passed away on Thursday. 

He was a strong advocate for patients and worked in several different areas, including as the professor of health systems at Dublin City University.

His expertise as an epidemiologist brought him to the forefront of covid-19 debates and discussions. 

He co-founded Ireland’s Independent Scientific Advocacy Group and was a member of the HSE's systems reform group for digital healthcare. 

The European Public Health Association shared a moving statement on his passing.

“An epidemiologist, health-systems scholar and lifelong social activist, Anthony leaves behind a body of work that shaped public health in Ireland and across Europe,” it said.

“But those who worked with him remember something simpler first: his kindness, generosity, and endless dedication.” 

Sharon Foley, the chief executive of Family Carers Ireland, said: “I really enjoyed any interactions with Anthony — he had such a bright, sharp mind and was so committed to public health and challenging inequity in health outcomes. He will be a huge loss to academia and public health."

Professor Gerard Crotty, national clinical lead of the MedLIS project, said: “Anthony was a great advocate for equality in healthcare, for ethics, for healthcare research. A sad loss.” 

Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association also expressed his sadness at the news, saying: “A gentleman, a scholar, and fearless. Will be so missed.” 

On behalf of the association, he said: “Throughout his career, Anthony consistently challenged inequalities in access to healthcare. 

"He supported a rights-based, patient-centred health service in which access to care should be determined by need rather than means.” 

He added: “Ireland has lost an important voice in public health, and patients have lost a principled advocate.” 

Trisha McKeever at the ARC Cancer Support Centres recalled his work there as a board member.

“He showed great dedication and passion to the work of ARC and the people we serve,” she wrote.

“Ensuring the best possible support to our clients was always at the forefront of his mind, and his thoughtful insights always guided us in the right direction.

His wider interests in the environment and other areas were also reflected in the many tributes.

Mary O’ Leary from the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment said how sad they all were to hear of his passing.

“He was a great friend to us here in Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment,” she said.

“Anthony had such integrity and cared about the planet and its people.” 

Prof Staines died peacefully at St Vincent's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. 

Sympathies were shared with his wife Úna, their children Lorna and Jonathan, and his wider family.

His funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at 10am in St Patrick's Church, Skerries.