An inspiring scheme we run, with the support of several partners, has helped Muhammed Patel get a job at our Trust. As a ward keeper on Sky A at Queen’s Hospital he will work on different tasks to help Sky A run smoothly each day, including removing any broken equipment, sorting stock rooms and ensuring they have everything they need. 

Muhammed was an intern with Project SEARCH which supports 17 to 19 year olds with learning disabilities and/or autism take their first steps into the workplace. As part of the programme, they work across different departments to learn a range of skills.

Muhammed said:

I’m excited and grateful to be given this opportunity and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.

I am confident that my skills gained from my placements will help me excel in my new role.

Muhammed started off in Accident & Emergency, doing two different roles as a ward clerk and as a ward keeper. Working with colleagues and dealing with patients helped him build his confidence and improve his communication skills.

Emma Beard, A&E Matron at King George Hospital (KGH) who worked with Muhammed, said:

Muhammed has come on leaps and bounds. He came in quite shy but once he came out of his shell, he was amazing. He really deserves this job and we wish him all the luck.

During his most recent rotation, Muhammed worked as a ward clerk on the Medical Receiving Unit (MRU) at KGH. Elizabeth Obisesan, the MRU’s Deputy Matron, said he slotted in well into the team.

Muhammed has demonstrated a range of skills and the reason for that is he pays attention to detail, listens to the patients and enjoys coming to work. We are so proud of him.

Muhammed has started his new job and will be at the Houses of Parliament later this month to celebrate National Supported Internship Day. Project SEARCH has now seen five of our interns secure permanent roles at the Trust and we have 24 new interns.

When Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary and MP for Ilford North, met some of our interns last year he spoke of how valuable it was to have a scheme that provided opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to get their foot on the ladder.