From Julie Fagan
Sir, - A priest has been suspended
from work (News, 7 September). Suspension is so serious that it
should be used only as a very last resort, and where there are
substantiated allegations of a very serious nature, such as sexual
abuse.
Why only in very serious situations?
Because suspension destroys people. I experienced suspension and
its destructive effects when I worked in the NHS. It was through
the help that I received from family, friends, and God that any
breakdown, physical or mental, was prevented. Until it happened to
me, I had no idea of its harm. Sadly, since then, I have heard the
stories of hundreds of staff in the NHS similarly affected, through
our website www.suspension-nhs.org - a God-given idea, I
believe.
Please, do not let God's people
destroy one another through this evil practice. If an investigation
is required, it should be undertaken as a matter of great urgency
to cause the minimum of harm for the individual and his or her
family.
JULIE FAGAN
19 Homewelland House, Leicester Road, Market Harborough, LE16
7BT