Subiaco Hospital pharmacist recognised for excellence with prestigious state award

12 Nov 2025

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Naomi van Hagen (centre) with members of the hospital’s pharmacy team.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Naomi van Hagen has been awarded the 2025 Eric Kirk Memorial Award by the Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia.

This prestigious award recognises her outstanding contribution to pharmacy practice in WA, particularly her leadership and vision in advancing oncology pharmacy practice and improving patient outcomes across hospital and community settings.

Since joining Subiaco Hospital 18 years ago, Naomi has played a vital role in growing the organisation’s oncology pharmacy service and introducing patient support initiatives that have improved medication safety, side effect management and patient education.

Naomi was instrumental in establishing the clinical pharmacist role at the hospital’s Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, ensuring pharmacists are integral to medication dose verification, patient reviews and ongoing treatment support.

She also introduced a dedicated pharmacist clinical trials position, strengthening the role of pharmacists in the hospital's research activities.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tina Chinery said the award was very well-deserved.

“We're incredibly proud of Naomi and everything she’s achieved here at the hospital and in the broader community. Her work has not only advanced pharmacy practice in this State but has made a significant difference to the experience and outcomes of patients impacted by cancer,” she said.

“Naomi’s leadership and commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and patient-centred care are truly inspiring.”

Beyond her hospital role, Naomi also works as a consultant pharmacist in a private oncology practice. This position highlights the value of pharmacists in specialist multidisciplinary teams and involves close collaboration with patients, oncologists, inpatient units, GPs and community pharmacists to enhance cancer treatment and continuity of care.

Naomi is also the co-founder of HOPE Cancer Care, which provides access to essential products that help manage and prevent chemotherapy-related side effects and improve quality of life for Australians undergoing cancer treatment.

Naomi said she felt honoured to be recognised by her peers for doing work she loves.

“Supporting patients through their cancer journeys to ensure they have the best possible experience during what can be a very difficult time is a true privilege, and it’s what motivates me every day,” she said.

“The next chapter for me is expanding my specialist practice role, building evidence to make it more mainstream, and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists to embrace new opportunities and see where the profession can take them.”