Whipps Cross Summer Update:

​​We are now at the halfway stage of Third Rotations, and our focus is on finding paid employment. The interns have been working very hard to increase their skills and become job-ready.  

Placements
Former Whitefield student Khalique has started an exciting administrative role within HR at Prescott Street.  This rotation is based offsite at Barts Health Corporate Services. Khalique is thriving in this role, and really enjoys travelling to the city every day to work.  
 
Mohammad, also formerly of Whitefield has returned to Catering where he worked for his first rotation.  He has grown in confidence and is now preparing patient food and delivering around the hospital independently. Mohammad takes particular pride in his favourite task, which is cleaning the catering block: “I really enjoy my placement.  I work very hard and I never get tired.”  
Exciting new placements at Whipps Cross include a role in the Domestics Laundry, where Shoaib is operating the washers and dryers and packing mops for the wards.  We also have a new placement in Central Appointments, where Bilal is helping this busy department by collecting referrals and providing administrative support.  

Other placements include: GP X-Ray Imaging Assistant, Ward Hosts, Food Stores Assistant, Domestics Stores Assistant, Outpatients Assistant.

Job News 
We are pleased to share that intern Thomas has been offered a job in Medical Records on Bank following successful rotations across the pre-sort and prepping areas of the department.  Thomas officially joined the team as a Medical Records Clerk in April, and is delighted to be earning his own money!  

Congratulations are also in order to 2017 graduate Hasan, who has been offered a job at a local branch of McDonalds following a successful work trial.  Hasan is looking forward to bringing his excellent customer service and coffee making to his new role!

Recent Highlights
In March, some of our interns joined Whipps Cross staff in attending a match at the Diversity Hub at Leyton Orient.  For many, this was their first ever football match and it proved to be a fun and entertaining experience as Orient won 3-0.  Thank you to Denise Dorking at Barts Health for organising this opportunity.
 
In March, five graduates and interns delivered presentations about their experiences of Project SEARCH at a Supported Internship event held at London Councils.  Graduates Alex, Josh and Oliver spoke about their respective journeys into employment as a Junior Medical Laboratory Assistant, X-Ray Imaging Assistant, and Catering Picker/Packer.  Interns Khalique and Rupini spoke about the skills they are developing in their rotations.  Well done to all the young people for being fantastic ambassadors for Project SEARCH!

Whipps Cross interns came in during their Easter Break to attend a Workshop Week in preparation for their final placements.  Activities included work tasters, interview practise, and CV writing.  Elaine Colquhoun sent a card to every intern who attended, commending them for their “dedication to Project SEARCH” and wishing them “every success with moving into a job”.  
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Nine graduates who work across Catering, Portering and Domestics were presented with certificates and vouchers by Serco in recognition of their “Outstanding Work” across their services. 
Whipps Cross Tutor Janet was nominated for a Barts Health Heroes Award for her “endless dedication” supporting interns and graduates.  The nomination read: “Janet has touched the lives of so many people… she is irreplaceable and we are lucky to have her.” Janet was invited alongside fellow nominees to a celebratory lunch hosted by Barts Health Chair Ian Peters.  Many congratulations to Janet for this wonderful achievement.

Upcoming Events 
Project SEARCH will host a stall at the Barts Health Open Day at Whipps Cross on Saturday 7th July, 11.30 – 15.00.  This event is part of the Trust’s celebration of 70 years of the NHS.  Please come along to support us and other fantastic initiatives taking place throughout Barts Health.  
The 2018 Project SEARCH Graduation will be taking place on 12th July at Mile End Hospital.  We are looking forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the achievements of interns and our partnership with Barts Health.