Project SEARCH interns make a lasting impact
We're proudly celebrating our nine Project SEARCH interns and their achievements over the past year of working at Newham Hospital, with a graduation ceremony as well as a special visit from Sir Stephen Timms MP.
Last week we held a graduation ceremony to reflect on their incredible progress, the support from our hospital departments, and the partnerships that make this programme possible. And today (Friday 27) some of the graduates met local MP Sir Stephen Timms to share their reflections from the experience.
Across the year our interns worked in a range of departments, from portering roles to catering, ward clerks and data administration – even helping us to recover £400,000 in income.
Here’s what some of the departments had to say about the impact and fantastic work the interns achieved this year:
Associate General Manager, Dean Torres said:
“I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible contributions of Abdul and Destiny. During their time with our Diabetes and Endocrinology service, they helped to implement a brand-new outpatient procedure coding workstream.
Thanks to their dedication, professionalism, and fresh perspective, we were able to recapture £400,000 in income that would otherwise have been lost. That’s not just a number — that’s funding that goes straight back into improving patient care. Their work has made a lasting impact, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.
I can't stress enough how helpful their job coaches were – so thank you to Corra, Racheal and Shirin!”
Destiny, one of the graduates who worked with Dean shared:
"I want to thank Dean, Hema and everyone in the team who helped me grow during my placement. I didn’t know much about the workplace before I joined as I had just left college but this experience has really boosted my confidence”
In another department, one of the mentors shared their thoughts on Adan's impact in the team:
“Adan is very kind and helpful colleague. He is a quick learner and good in IT skills and on using CRS he helped the team with uploading patient's referrals and with appointment bookings and scheduling... it was pleasure working with Adan and we will look forward to working with more interns.”
Adan said:
I found the experience great, and I now have a broader perspective on life. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming.
Speaking on the success of our interns, Michael Magbagbeola, our director of people, said:
Congratulations to all and a huge thank you to the departments, coaches, mentors and parents who make this programme possible every year. Their hard work, growth, and determination is incredible.
We want to ensure that everyone can carry their newfound skills through to employment and we are working to ensure there are work opportunities for them beyond their placements. We are truly blessed to have hosted such talents this year and look forward to their bright futures.
About the program
- Project SEARCH is a year-long supported programme that aims to prepare and guide young people between the ages of 18-24 with learning disabilities, autism and/or sensory impairments into paid employment.
- Interns typically have three rotations throughout their placement, working across various hospital departments from catering to admin and housekeeping on the wards.
- All interns are supported by a tutor and job coaches for hands-on guidance while they are working.
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