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Distinguished healthcare leader receives Board Chair Medal

11 Dec 2025 Celebrating staff
Dr Claire Long was awarded the prestigious 2025 Board Chair Medal at our 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Dr Claire Long

Dr Long is the Clinical Services Director of our Aged, General Medicine and Subacute division.

 

Western Health Board Chair, Professor the Honourable Jill Hennessy, presented the medal to Dr Long in recognition of her outstanding contribution to patient care and our health service.

 

Dr Long, who began her journey at Western Health as a medical student, is widely respected for her advocacy, integrity and unwavering support for both her team and patients.

 

‘You are a distinguished healthcare provider and we are so lucky to have you here at Western Health,’ Professor Jill Hennessy said when awarding the Board Chair Medal.

 

As Clinical Services Director, Claire has transformed her department by closely listening to staff, addressing concerns, and implementing improvements.

Board Chair Jill Hennessy, Dr Claire Long and CEO Russell Harrison
Board Chair, Professor the Honourable Jill Hennessy with Dr Claire Long and Western Health CEO Professor Russell Harrison

Her commitment to patient safety led to significant advancements in care, including the high-risk pre-operative optimisation clinic.  

 

Claire’s INSPIRE Award nominees praised her for her strong, supportive and authentic leadership and exceptional clinical skills.

 

‘Claire manages numerous priorities and, regardless of the circumstances, will always have your back,’ one of her nominators said. 

 

She is a fierce advocate for older people and her team. 

 

Claire is known for communicating with precision, clarity and honesty.

 

Another nominator said Claire leads with kindness and shows genuine curiosity when presented with problems, rather than jumping to quick solutions. 

 

‘When presented with complex issues, Claire’s pragmatic problem-solving style is welcomed and admired by all. 

‘She takes accountability, escalates and advocates for us fiercely, which has boosted staff morale, participation and optimism about the future.'
Colleagues of Dr Claire Long

Hospital Medical Officer Dr Jennifer Yuill and Clinical Pharmacist Joseph Huynh were also recognised as Inspirational Stories nominees.

 

Watch the AGM recording on YouTube which features an interview with Professor Jill Hennessy and Dr Long. 

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