'Beloved friend': Health exec's 'inappropriate' email on alleged murderer

NSW Health Clinical Excellence Commission director of information management Andre Jenkins sent an email to all CEC staff describing employee James Harrison, 38, as a "wonderful colleague and beloved friend" as well as a "proud dad".

"It is with indescribable sadness that I find myself letting you know that James Harrison and his son Rowan died on Sunday," Mr Jenkins said in the email, which was leaked to The Daily Telegraph.

A NSW Health spokesperson told ACM it "did not endorse and did not approve" the email, before describing it as "inappropriate".

"The tragic events that unfolded in Lismore last weekend are having a profound impact on the community, including many of our staff members," the spokesperson said.

"Our focus is on making sure support is available for staff members who need it during this difficult time and in the days and weeks to come."

Health Minister Ryan Park described the email as "completely unacceptable" and said it had caused "significant distress" to staff.

"This is an extremely difficult time for local health staff, and I want to reiterate that support is being made available to them."

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell previously revealed that there was an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order against Harrison in place for the protection of the mother and the boy.

The mother of the child, Sophie Roome, raised the alarm when the father failed to return the child at 4.30pm after the access visit.

In a statement to the ABC she expressed her "incomprehensible grief" at the loss of her son.

"He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences," Dr Roome said.

"He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family."