WHA Newcastle, our first clinic of 2026, has been busy servicing businesses in Sydney’s northern region for the past two months, and the time has flown by. The new clinic provides our full suite of occupational health services to businesses across the Hunter region, including: Pre-employment medicals Workforce health checks Fitness-for-duty assessments Drug and alcohol screening And much more. You can check out our full list of services here. To better serve our growing community and provide even greater flexibility for your occupational health needs, this brand-new clinic in the heart of Newcastle expands our footprint in the area. Helping drive that experience is Emma Richards, one of the newer faces at WHA leading the way at WHA Newcastle. Not only is Emma new to WHA, but she is also new to her role as an assessor. She brings valuable clinical experience developed over several years working within the public hospital system that will enhance her move into occupational health. “After several years in the public hospital system, I needed a change,” she says. The move into occupational health has given Emma the opportunity to expand her skill set while continuing to do what she enjoys most, helping people with their health. A typical day for Emma involves meeting people, who are preparing for new roles, career changes or returning to work. “I get to meet a variety of candidates, encourage and educate them to get the best possible outcome,” Emma says. She is passionate about the role workforce medicals play in a person’s employment timeline. “I enjoy helping candidates reach their potential, knowing I’m a small part of their pathway to employment,” she says. “Whether they’re changing careers, returning to work after a long hiatus or stepping into a new position, it feels rewarding to support that process.” For Emma, occupational health also provides an opportunity for continued professional growth. “I’m enjoying refining and building skills that will carry across my entire career.” Outside of work, Emma has a creative side. Her hidden talent? Turning buttercream cupcakes into edible floral shaped masterpieces. “I’m basically The Cupcake Florist of Lochinvar, NSW!” And when it’s time to switch off from helping others, Emma loves a good TV series. A hardcore fan of the series Supernatural, she says the episode ‘Yellow Fever’ remains peak television. She is also currently rewatching The Flash for the fourth time.. yes fourth! That’s some next level commitment right there. Emma’s mix of clinical experience, warm personality and genuine passion for helping others, makes her a fantastic addition to WHA. We’re excited to have her on board as she begins this new chapter in occupational health. Get in Touch! If you have new employees on the way, want to set up an employee annual health program or need to meet industry health monitoring compliance, WHA Newcastle can cater to all businesses. With our experienced team and clinics nation-wide, we’re here to help keep your employees safe, healthy, and ready for work. Give us a call today on 1800 993 108 or enquire online to secure your booking!