During her time at KDHS, Ms Clark has worn many hats, from working as a ward nurse to now holding the role of clinical quality and consumer co-ordinator.
She has also seen the hospital change — the physical building and the health department and health systems themselves.
Ms Clark said the changes were especially evident when looking at the evolution of practices around women’s health over the years.
“I think there’s a lot more focus on (women’s health) these days,” she said.
“There's a lot more availability of women in that provider service — so your doctors, your physios, sexual health nurses, (which) makes it a lot more comfortable for women to feel that they can approach.
“It’s just acknowledging and making it a comfortable environment for women too, even with the screenings, having a nurse and having options now ... compared to some more invasive-type procedures in the past.”
In the past, a lack of knowledge paired with a culture of taboo often meant women weren’t receiving proper care.
Today, KDHS has a dedicated women’s health nurse who can help with a range of issues, including cervical screening, breast care, bowel screening, contraception, pregnancy testing, continence, menopause and osteoporosis.
It also has a physiotherapist on hand who can provide specific women-related care such as post-natal treatment.
Ms Clark said that highlighting Women’s Health Week was vital to empowering women to take care of their health.
“Women are worth it, and they should feel empowered and comfortable to ask any questions about their own health,” she said.
“Don’t ‘Dr Google it’ or feel uncomfortable to talk to someone about it because, as a health service, that’s what we’re here for.”
While the changes in women’s health have been positive, KDHS is still striving to be better.
Local women and community members can help shape the future of KDHS through different avenues.
As the clinical quality and consumer co-ordinator, Ms Clark uses the consumer registry to gain feedback from consumers.
Outside of the consumer registry, anyone can submit feedback online or fill out a feedback brochure that can be handed in to hospital staff.
The hospital also has a Consumer Advisory Committee made up of 13 members between the ages of 15 to 80, with two school-aged representatives currently on the committee.
The committee meets twice monthly and aims to capture the needs of consumers across different demographics by providing input on hospital projects and initiatives.
If there are services or issues that consumers would like more information about, Ms Clark will bring in an expert to speak to the committee.
Ms Clark said the advisory committee played a major role in building a service that reflected the community’s need.
“That’s why it’s really important to have consumers involved because sometimes health people speak health lingo,” she said.
“The idea of the committee is it is predominantly community members ... giving us, as a health service, an avenue that we can get feedback or get suggestions.
“We know what we’re talking about, but do the people that are coming in that front door understand, and how can we make that journey easier?”
Through listening to the community over the years, KDHS has managed to create a health service that prioritises the community’s health, including women’s.
For staff members such as Ms Clark, one of many women working hard to create a high-quality health service, the passion for helping residents is what drives her.
“I think with whatever role that anyone does, if you enjoy what you do, you can be passionate about it, and I mean, that’s why I've been a nurse for 40 years,” she said.
Women’s Health Week began on Monday, September 1 and will conclude on Friday, September 5.
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