Rachel Downey, a former editor of Nursing Times and a communications strategist at the Department of Health, has died of renal failure at the age of 60. Her career spanned journalism and public relations, with a focus on health and social affairs.
Early life and journalism career
Born in Dublin to political journalist James Downey and his wife Moira, Rachel developed a passion for journalism during school holidays at a local Dublin paper. After studying English at University College Dublin and completing a journalism course at Dublin City University, she moved to London in 1987.
She began as a reporter for the London Irish News, covering the Irish community and major political stories such as the campaigns for the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four. In 1990, she moved into social affairs journalism at Social Work Today, later becoming news editor at Community Care (1994-99) and executive editor (1999-2002). She was appointed editor of Nursing Times from 2002 to 2008, where she provided honest and independent journalism for nurses.
Move to government communications
In 2009, Rachel transitioned to the Department of Health, where she worked on health policy communications until September 2025. Her most recent role was head of public relations at the Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner, where she led communications for Martha's Rule, the Hughes Report on financial redress for sodium valproate and pelvic mesh harms, and the Safety Gap Report on patient safety disparities.
Personal life and legacy
Rachel lived with type 1 diabetes throughout her adult life. She posthumously published her father's book, The Legacy of Gombeen Ireland (2020). She is survived by her husband, sons James and Colm, and sister Vanessa.
