Eric is a semi-retired Nursing Unit Manager at the Forensic Unit Corrections Health. His career in nursing commenced in 1956 and has covered all aspects and positions, including Director of Nursing, of some large areas. One of Eric’s major roles, besides supervision of the usual general and mental health status of people, is to train and assist nurses to prepare documentation and to give evidence to tribunals and the courts. Of course supervision of nurses working in this specific environment is challenging within itself. Eric studied chemistry and science whilst doing Occupational Health and Industrial Safety at a large chemical plant. He has been involved in the rescue phases of disasters such as the Granville rail disaster, Newcastle earthquake and cyclonic disturbances, and has met several infamous people. These experiences led Eric to look more closely at what is happening to people and property, leading to his work on profiling and incident reconstruction. Interesting projects in his career include participating in setting up the first Area Health Service (NSW) and for its subsequent accreditation. Another was an 18 month study into the Forensic Medical / Nursing services provided by the Department of Health to the NSW Corrective Services. He is pleased to report that many of his recommendations are now in practice.
Eric has been recognised by the Local Government for his voluntary community work in the City of Gosford. He has also been recognised by the State Government for services to the NSW Ambulance and State Emergency Services. He holds awards from Her Majesty for contribution to Scouting and St Johns Ambulance. Added to this he has been a long time Fellow of the College of Nursing, and boats a continual 45+ years of “hands on” and nurse education. Eric is best known in many circles for his Medivac role as a “spotter” from helicopters in search and rescue functions.
Eric became a member of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) in 1989 and has seen a continual growth in education and professionalism eagerly fostered by Henry Delaforce, Allan Hodda and their committees. Eric has offered a yearly Forensic Science scholarship available to students or any member of the Society who may be “battlers” and would otherwise not have the opportunity to study. Also, some years ago, the College of Nursing named an ongoing scholarship in his name for his continuing contributions to nursing specialities such as “Trauma Injury Management” and “Forensic Nursing”.
Eric is certainly an inspiring character whose contribution to a range of medical and forensic disciplines has been impressive. The NSW Branch of ANZFSS proudly presents Eric Murray as a Life Member.
