Posted 01 March 2016 - 14:14
Posted 01 March 2016 - 14:14
News
Nurses will test app to protect against female genital mutilation
Resource aims to help staff discuss the practice of FGM with girls and women
An app that nurses can use to help protect girls and women at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) is to be trialled.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust health visitor Joanne McEwan came up with the idea for the app, which staff at the trust will use on their iPads.
‘I realised we needed a tool to have the right kind of information about FGM,’ she said.
The app defines FGM, how to protect girls and women against it, and describes the law's position regarding the practice. It will help healthcare professionals talk with females about FGM and will include audio and video material.
The app is still in development and about 1,000 staff members at the trust will begin trialling it in a couple of months.
Ms McEwan received a Mary Seacole Leadership Award last year, which included £12,500 of funding that she is using to help develop the app.