Letter: Advocates' access

This past fortnight has seen a stream of stories about neglect and abuse of some of the most vulnerable members of our society in the very places one would expect they would be properly cared for and safe.

In all the cases reported there has been no mention of access to independent advocates. An independent advocate will support a person to gather information, explore and understand options, make their own informed decisions and express their own views and wishes or speak up on their behalf if that is what the person wishes.

In Scotland, in the case of someone who lacked the capacity to give instructions, the independent advocate could act in a non-instructed way.

Their sole purpose would be to ask questions of the health or care staff, encourage staff to consider the reasons behind any obvious distress and raise issues of concern with the appropriate authorities.

It can be difficult for someone employed by the organisation in which any abuse might be occurring to report any concerns. The Panorama report showed the experience of the staff member who had consistently reported his concerns without success.

Independent advocacy is as free as possible from conflicts of interest and our experience shows that, with its involvement, complaints and concerns may be acted upon with urgency.

To allow for access local authorities and NHS boards must ensure there are appropriate levels of independent advocacy in their areas.

Shaben Begum MBE

Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance

George Street

Edinburgh