These guidelines have been produced to support the policy of asking all women at their booking appointment whether they have experienced any form of surgery to their genitals including female genital mutilation.
Profession: Health
Commissioning Services To Support Women and Girls with FGM
This document sets out some key considerations when embarking upon the process to commission services to support FGM survivors. It reflects the standards and characteristics which have developed where commissioning in this area has been successful and sets out particular elements which should either always be considered or provided.
Delivering compassionate care in school nursing: A case of female genital mutilation. (Requires subscription to journal)
This article examines a case study of a school nurse’s involvement with a family at risk of FGM. Although the children were safeguarded appropriately, opportunities were missed to support the family to address the psychological impact of FGM. Specialist services designed to work with communities where FGM is practiced exist around the UK but are few in number and have limited resources.
Assessing and managing FGM in the practice. (Subscription to journal required)
Comfort Momoh MBE discusses female genital mutilation and the practice nurse’s role in identifying and providing care for victims and those at risk. Includes checklist.
Speaking with women about FGM (Video)
Journalist and broadcaster Susan Bookbinder talks with four women about how they would like to see professionals hold sensitive conversations about female genital mutilation (FGM), including what actions to take to safeguard vulnerable girls.
FGM Questionnaire for Health Professionals
This questionnaire was developed by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to assess the likelihood that FGM has happened to a patient, their attitudes towards the practice, understanding of legislation and to assess the potential risk to girl children. It can be adopted by NHS Trusts to enable them to fulfil health professionals recording, reporting and safeguarding responsibilities.
NHS Specialist Services for Female Genital Mutilation
The document provides a list of NHS Specialist services for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation. Women who have undergone Type 3 FGM can access de-infibulation services (opening up). The clinics provide services for both pregnant and non-pregnant women and some of the clinics also provide counselling and emotional support.
FGM Risk and Safeguarding: Guidance for Health Professionals
Practical help to support NHS organisations developing new safeguarding policies and procedures for female genital mutilation (FGM). It can be used by health professionals from all sectors, particularly designated and named safeguarding leads, and local safeguarding children board members. Based on existing NHS best practice. Includes the Department of Health Risk Assessment Tool and Safeguarding Pathways
NHS Scotland Specialist Services for FGM
This service is for pregnant and non-pregnant women. They aim to see women two weeks after her booking scan (pregnant women) or 2 weeks after referral. They provide support for women with FGM, a de-infibulation service for women with Type III FGM and referral service for counselling.
WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from FGM
WHO recommendations published in May 2016 aim to help health workers provide better care to the more than 200 million girls and women worldwide living with female genital mutilation. The recommendations focus on preventing and treating obstetric complications; treatment for depression and anxiety disorders; attention to female sexual health such as counselling, and the provision of information and education.