• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: IMP0104

Doherty, Muriel Knox

  • RRC
(1896 – 1988)
  • Born 19 July 1896, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Died 29 September 1988
  • Occupation Nurse educator, Nursing administrator

Summary

Muriel Knox Doherty began nursing in 1921 at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, and set up the first preliminary training school at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, 1933-1937. In her capacity as matron-in-charge she was the first nurse appointed to the rank of squadron leader in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where she inaugurated the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service. After World War II she worked with displaced persons at Bergen Belsen concentration camp, as a member of United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. One of four founders of the New South Wales College of Nursing in 1949, she was also instrumental in the establishment of the Civilian Nursing Services Bureau, and co-authored the first Australian text book for nurses, Modern Practical Nursing Procedures, 1944. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal (1st Class) in 1945 for her work in the RAAF Nursing Service.

Archival resources

  • National Library of Australia, Manuscript Collection
    • Papers of Muriel Knox Doherty, 1939-circa 1952 [manuscript]
  • Australian War Memorial, Research Centre
    • Doherty, Muriel K (Matron) b: 1896, d: 1988.
    • Doherty, Muriel Knox, RRC (Matron, AANS and RAAF Nursing Service)

Published resources

Related entries


  • Related Organisations
    • Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) (1902 - 1948)
    • Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD) (1914 - )
    • Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) (1940 - )