Project SEARCH interns gain employment with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB)
Project SEARCH is a scheme which enable college students from our local community with learning disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder to join us in the Health Board to complete an internship.
To ensure the success of the project, Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB works in partnership with the Elite Supported Employment Agency and Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil Colleges. Together, this partnership has an aspiration to support those with learning disabilities in our local areas into sustained paid employment.
This year, Declan and Krystal were part of the project at the Princess of Wales Hospital. Following their placements, they have now both gained permanent employment in CTMUHB.
Declan and Radiology colleagues at the 2022 Project SEARCH Graduation.
The Project SEARCH Supported Internship has enabled the Radiology department to trial a brand new role. Declan took on this role as part of the project in spring 2022.
Following the Project SEARCH Graduation, Declan attended an interview with the Radiology department and gained permanent employment in the much needed new role of ‘Radiology Patient Flow Coordinator’.
Declan said: “It’s been great to get the job because it has given me my own independence. I make my own money and I don't have to rely on other people as much. It’s good for my wellbeing too. I am excited that I have got the job as I have had a great time here, as well as help support the department.”
Alex, General Superintendent Radiographer at the Princess of Wales Hospital explained how this new role has had a positive effect on service delivery and patient outcomes.
“The role of the Radiology patient flow coordinator has enhanced service delivery for patients and their families accessing radiology services within the Bridgend locality. The new role has improved the patient experience and reduced waiting times as patients are streamlined into the most appropriate imaging room based on their clinical needs. This is particularly pertinent in the imaging of paediatrics, where the coordinator has ensured that all paediatric patients are taken to a new dedicated paediatric X-ray room as soon as they present to the department. The role has strengthened the patient voice by bridging the communication gap between patients within the waiting room and radiographers working within clinical areas. This patient-centred approach has improved the quality of care delivered by allowing information from radiographers to be relayed back to patients in a timely manner. Patients now have a dedicated staff member to whom they can ask any questions while waiting to be imaged. This has helped to alleviate any concerns that may arise prior to an investigation.”
Project SEARCH intern Krystal also gained employment at CTMUHB - Krystal become part of the Housekeeping Team in July 2022. Krystal said: “I’m really enjoying my job and it feels good to earn my own money. I love being part of the Housekeeping Team. I am really thankful for the project and everyone at Cwm Taf Morgannwg for offering me the opportunity.”
Zoë Shields, Project SEARCH tutor from Bridgend College said: “I am very proud of both Krystal and Declan for their commitment to the Project SEARCH Supported Internship Programme, which has resulted in them both securing paid employment. The support they have received from their managers and mentors at the Princess of Wales Hospital has been exceptional and played an integral part in their journeys to employment.
“Krystal and Declan gaining paid employment is a testament to the benefits of studying employability and being able to apply what has been learnt in the workplace. I look forward to seeing them around the hospital as I support this year's intake of Project SEARCH interns.
“Thank you to Heather Porch, our Business Liaison and everyone else at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board who helped make this possible.”
Well done and congratulations to both Declan and Krystal for being successful in gaining employment with CTMUHB.
(Left) Krystal (Right) Declan and a colleague.
05/12/2022