| Abstract: | The Prevention of Professional Abuse Network (POPAN) is the first national organization within the UK to address the problem of the abuse of clients and patients by health and social care providers. POPAN has a small staff group of eight people and a larger network of advisers, supporters and allies; its activities include campaigning, training, consultancy, and the provision of information, advice and advocacy. Jennie Williams is a clinical psychologist and trustee of POPAN, she has supported the development of the organization since the early 1990s; Jo Nash was the main person involved in the development and provision of the advocacy service between September 1997 to January 2000. This is the edited version of a taped and transcribed interview that took place in 1999. Jo Nash is uniquely placed to provide information of significance to anyone using or providing health and social care services. Her work as an advocate has given her a very particular insight into the challenges faced by those seeking redress for professional abuse, and she has first hand experience of providing advocacy to people who are vulnerable and reluctant to trust anyone offering help. In this interview Jo Nash directs attention to the considerable limitations in current complaints systems, practices and procedures, and offers comment on the implications for change. Her work with POPAN provides continual reminders of the importance of prevention, and she identifies a number of ways in which action can be taken to prevent health and social care practitioners abusing their patients and clients. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
