Minister visits disability project at Naas General Hospital

Minister for State for Disabilities Finian McGrath TD recently visited the Project SEARCH programme at Naas General Hospital.

Project SEARCH is a business-led initiative aiming to transform the lives of young people with intellectual disabilities through internship programmes and employment opportunities in the community.

Developed originally in Cincinnati Children’s Medical Centre, Ohio, Massachusetts, Project SEARCH is now being rolled out across 350 businesses and organisations globally, including in the UK, Australia, Canada and the U.S. Naas General Hospital is the first such organisation in Ireland to participate in this programme which was initiated by Kare and is a joint initiative between KARE and Naas General Hospital.

 Minister McGrath said: “Today was a fantastic opportunity to meet with the participants of the Project SEARCH programme and see first-hand the dedication and commitment of staff at Naas General Hospital. This is a wonderful programme that has helped to benefit many people with intellectual disabilities in Naas. 

 “I believe that this type of programme should be replicated across the country so that people from all around Ireland can benefit.” 

 Alice Kinsella, General Manager of Naas General Hospital, said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister McGrath to Naas and visit the Project SEARCH programme.

"Naas Hospital was the first organisation in Ireland to be involved with this project which truly enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, and provides benefits to our staff and patients. 

 "Our current interns have been of huge support in the hospital and they have been working with our staff across a number of departments  including Physiotherapy, Radiology, Clinical nursing, Occupational Therapy,Speech and Language, Catering, Support Services, Clerical.