GMMH welcomes further investment in clinical skills and knowledge to focus on reducing restrictive practices
We are excited to share some important developments in our ongoing recovery journey that will help to improve care and reduce restrictive practices across GMMH.
We have a new Head of Nursing in the Quality Directorate, Joanne Hadfield, who will head up the strategic improvement journey.
Jo has vast experience in meaningfully reducing the use of restrictive interventions in practice, and implementing evidence-based restrictive practice reduction tools. She is currently undertaking a PhD looking at restrictive practice reduction tools and how to sustain improvements in practice.
Supporting Jo and leading the training team is Jim Ridley, Nurse Consultant for reducing restrictive practices. Jim is often out and about providing advice on broader clinical issues as well as overseeing development of practice(s) and policy.
Jim is a learning disability nurse and clinical academic who brings many years expertise in clinical practice and experiences of research that supports evidence-based practice(s), that can support least restrictive practice(s) and rights-based approaches.
From September, we will have been joined by additional colleagues who will work alongside and support our clinical teams, service users and carers to consider the delivery of care and work in the least restrictive way.
This includes the introduction of two HOPE(S) practitioners, Sian Cooper and Dr Lianne Franks, who bring with them a nationally recognised model that has transformed care for people in long-term segregation (LTS).
The HOPE(S) model has been independently evaluated and supports individuals to move out of restrictive settings by focusing on dignity, trauma-informed care and meaningful relationships. Find out more: GMMH adopts HOPE(S) model to transform care for people in seclusion and long-term segregation
We are also delighted to introduce human rights practitioners into GMMH this year, and welcome two Human Rights Officers, Kaitlyn and Christodea.
Kaitlyn Zivanovich is a human rights specialist with a background in both humanitarian operations and military leadership. She served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer before transitioning into international human rights work, with a focus on migrant protection, mental health, and safeguarding.
Kaitlyn holds a Master’s in Human Rights and Diplomacy and has led regional capacity-building efforts for international organizations across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Christodea Asamoah-Appiadu, has a background in International Human Rights Law and has worked in a mix of roles across health, social care, and advocacy; mainly supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting inclusion and safeguarding.
She is passionate about making a difference, loves working with people, and always keen to learn and grow. Outside of work, she’s involved in youth and international humanitarian activities.
