Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 28
Lighting up the
curious teenage
mind
Do the teens in your
family wonder what
a career in health
care might really
look like? Then look
no further that the
Introduction to
Hospital Life
Programme advises
Locum IHL
Co-ordinator,
Mia Leddy
T
he Introduction to Hospital Life
(IHL) programme, hosted by
the Office of Mission
Effectiveness, is designed for 4th and
5th year students with an interest in
healthcare through the IHL
programme – and offers them a
unique chance to step inside the world
of the Mater.
Five times per year the mission office
invites 20 to 22 young adults into the
heart of the hospital from all across
Ireland who are family members or
friends of our hospital community.
Over the course of the four day
programme, students take part in
engaging talks, simulations, hands on
activities, and visits to clinical areas,
giving them a real insight into hospital
life.
Most arrive on day one not knowing
each other, so from the very
beginning, we aim to create a warm,
light-hearted, engaging environment
where students can get to know each
other, feel comfortable asking
questions, getting involved, and
ultimately learning.
Over the course of this meaningful
programme we see confidence grow,
curiosities deepen and more often
than not, friendships are formed.
Feedback from participants and
indeed their parents has been
overwhelmingly positive, with many
leaving feeling more energised
(probably from the doughnuts !) and
more confident about their future
career path.
However, this programme simply
wouldn’t be possible without the
generosity of our hospital staff, who
give us time, energy, and expertise.
We are hugely grateful to all.
Page 28
