Kildare interns celebrate hospital work experience

THOSE who took part in the Project SEARCH internship were celebrated at their graduation at Naas General Hospital on July 25, where participants were joined by their families, friends and colleagues to mark the special occasion.

Project SEARCH is a unique internship model which originated in the US and was first launched in Ireland by KARE and Naas General Hospital (NGH) in 2013.

It provides young adults with an intellectual disability the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and pursue their career goals. Participants engage in a year-long internship programme based at the hospital that supports them to gain a broad range of skills and prepare them for the workforce.

The ceremony saw seven students graduate from this year's programme: Adam Kelly and Ava McCormack from Kildare Town, Bradley Browne from Blessington, Brian Byrne from Calverstown, Declan Baker from Caragh, Eimhin Walsh from Monasterevin and James Harrison-Doyle from Newbridge.

Each completed three work experience rotations in the hospital, including the staff canteen, central decontamination unit, computerised tomography, medical records, nurse practice development, cardiology, technical Services, on-call and patient services.

Participants had the opportunity to take part in training such as manual handing, first aid, barista, healthy eating, personal development and IT skills. The group also enjoyed day trips and social outings.

Of this year's graduates, five will go on to further education, with the others pursing paid jobs with support from KARE’s Employment team.

James Harrison-Doyle spoke on behalf of the graduates: “I am a little sad that it’s come to an end but I am moving on to a new work experience. I will miss you all very much and thank you for everything. Caroline and Aoife are the best bosses anyone could have. Here’s to the Project SEARCH team of 2024/2025!” 

Aaron Browne, father of Bradley, one of the Project SEARCH graduates, shared some words about his family’s experience with the programme: “I say to any parent to lean into the discomfort. 

To stand up for your child. To allow them to get a bus – we were terrified! It’s a learning process. We got on the bus with him, we travelled behind the bus, we watched the bus. Until eventually one morning I got up and Bradley was gone. He’d made his lunch and got the bus, and I realised: he was a man.” 

KARE’s Interim CEO, Darren Smullen, addressed the graduates at the event: “First and foremost, I want to congratulate our seven graduates: Adam, Ava, Bradley, Brian, Declan, Eimhin and James. You’ve worked hard and brought great energy and determination to each part of the hospital you’ve worked in. You should all be extremely proud of what you’ve achieved. And to your families – thank you for the role you play providing support and encouragement behind the scenes. This is a proud day for you as well.” 

Certificates of achievement were presented to each gradate by Kieran McDonald, general manager of NGH, who said: “This programme has woven its way into the fabric of our hospital. 

The participants bring energy, zest and life to the hospital and I think everybody agrees. The Project SEARCH concept is very underrated and I would encourage any employer to adopt it. 

These young people have so much to offer and do so very well.” The Project SEARCH model began at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in 1996 and today has program sites throughout the US and UK (known as DFN Project SEARCH). 

This initiative led by Kare and NGH is the first and only Project SEARCH model in the Republic of Ireland to date. Since it started, 127 participants have completed the Kare/NGH programme, with approximately 72% securing paid employment upon program completion.