Wes Streeting, Health Secretary and MP for Ilford North, was inspired after hearing about an innovative programme for young adults on his visit to King George Hospital (KGH).
Project Search helps people with a learning disability and/or autism into work. Since launching, four of the first seven interns have now got a job at our Trust.
Among those are Angelina and Carly who both spoke about how it has changed their lives. Angelina, who is working in our Outpatients department, said it’s the “best thing I could have wished for”.
She added: “I never thought I would be in a full-time job. This is a whole different opportunity for me.
“At the beginning I was very nervous but after a couple of weeks I was much more confident in myself. My family are really proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Wes, who was extremely impressed by the project, also got to follow Mala and Rayan, two of our new interns, in their placements on Beech ward (our frailty unit) and in our Procurement department.
He commented: “It is great to see a programme that is providing opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to get their first foot on the ladder, in particular people with learning disabilities.
“It was nice down on Beech Ward to hear the pride with which staff are talking about the young people on this programme. It underlined its value.”
He also recognised our recent improvements stating: “Particularly in the last few years, there is something really special going on in this Trust.
“The work that is going on is generally nationally leading to get the waiting lists down. And on the frailty ward they were telling me how quickly they are getting older people through and out of the ward – it’s really inspiring.”
Following the success of the first group, we’ve now welcomed 24 new interns. They are working in a variety of roles such as portering, catering, and admin across a range of departments including x-ray, A&E, and on our wards.
Hannah Goldman-Brown, from Astrum Multi Academy Trust, which runs special schools in the area and is a partner in Project Search, works with the interns every day.
She said: “It was great for our interns to meet the Health Secretary and tell him all about the work that they do. Working with them every day, I see the positive impact this programme has on them, not only professionally but personally too. It is really meaningful.”
Kenye Karemo, Director of Education and Workforce Development, added: “The biggest challenge is getting the young people themselves to believe in themselves as much as we believe in them.
“It’s great that so many from the first group have now secured a job and we’re excited to see it grow and develop even further.”
Kirsty Matthews, Chief Executive of DFN Project Search, added: “We have been working with the NHS for over a decade to get young adults into permanent jobs that lead to rewarding careers and independence.
“The results are amazing, especially at this Trust, and it is wonderful the Secretary of State saw that first-hand.”
