In 1993, Judy Clark walked through the doors of Echuca Regional Health, two children in tow, and asked for a job.
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What began as a chance inquiry turned into a 33-year career with the ERH Department of Health Information Services.
Now, she’s closing one chapter and embarking on a new adventure — retirement.
Mrs Clark said during her time she had seen ERH expand and grow and would miss its hustle and bustle.
“It’s just my time,” she said.
“I've seen a lot of changes in 33 years. People come, people go, but it's definitely been a journey.
“I'll miss the people and the chitter chatter because I am a chatterer ... and I’ll miss the interaction with the public as well, because I really did like helping out the public.”
Over her career, Mrs Clark has made an undeniable impact at ERH.
Initially starting as a clerk, she later took on a clinical coder role, where she ensured medical information was accurately classified and recorded.
These classifications are vital behind the scenes, supporting hospital funding, government reporting, health statistics, research and planning.
Later, she moved into the complex field of freedom of information, managing confidential health data and overseeing information requests.
Regardless of who submitted the request — even senior ERH staff — Mrs Clark was a stickler for the rules, always ensuring information was accessed appropriately.
Despite her serious approach to her work, Mrs Clark is known as a relaxed and consistently cheerful person.
Judy Clark and the Department of Health Information Services team. Photo: Supplied.
Her long-time co-worker of 30 years Amanda Sampson has witnessed this over many shared coffees and lunches.
Ms Sampson highlighted Mrs Clark’s willingness to help others and her kind nature during her farewell.
“When I worked in health information, Jude was a medical coder,” she said.
“My first impression? She was always willing to help. Not once did she ever say, ‘that’s not my job’.
“Jude was also a freedom of information officer, and I swear she could calm the angriest person alive. Someone would walk in furious and leave asking about her weekend plans.”
Having spent her entire career in the medical field, it’s no surprise that two of Mrs Clark’s three children have followed in her footsteps.
Her daughter Peta is now a paramedic in Barham, while her other daughter, Liv, works as a midwife at ERH.
Mrs Clark officially finished on Wednesday, February 25, and will ease into retirement alongside her husband.
She has no grand plans. Instead, she is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and “playing it by ear”.
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