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Guidance launched to help nurses alert police to FGM

Department of Health has introduced resources to help healthcare professionals adhere to new duty on FGM

A new duty comes into force from tomorrow (October 31) that requires healthcare professionals to alert the police if they treat a girl under 18 who has had female genital mutilation (FGM).

To coincide with the new obligation, the Department of Health has introduced a range of resources to help ensure that healthcare staff are equipped and confident to deal with cases of FGM.

Developed with the support of the NHS, the royal colleges and survivors of FGM, the package of support for healthcare professionals includes a flowchart that sets out what action they should take and a poster for NHS organisations to publicise the duty to their staff.

Public health minister Jane Ellison said: ‘The tools we are providing will empower NHS staff and support them in strengthening their safeguarding response for girls who are at risk, and better protect and care for those living with FGM.’

Campaigner Leyla Hussein welcomed the introduction of the resources and said: ‘This guidance will help health professionals better understand how to care for women and girls with FGM.’