Following graduation, she spent her foundation year as a junior doctor at Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast.[3] At the hospital, her colleagues gave her the nickname of "McSwaplin", since she often swapped shifts at the hospital to accommodate her rugby schedule.[4] Claire has been at the forefront of the NHS battle against COVID19[5] working the Ulster Hospital A&E Department throughout the pandemic.[6]
Claire is currently recovering and rehabbing from a serious ankle injury.[9]
Personal life
McLaughlin is a Christian.[10] While playing rugby, she wears wrist tape with "AO1" on it to give thanks to God for her career.[10] McLaughlin is also a trained pianist,[11] having played the keyboard and organ in church.[3] Mclaughlin married in the summer of 2021 to Jonny Small and goes by the name of Claire Small (née McLaughlin).[citation needed]