Department of Health takes action on FGM

 Valerie Vaz MP said:

“I am pleased that the Department of Health is taking this issue seriously. It is estimated that up to 24,000 girls in the UK under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. It is important for healthcare professionals to identify when offences have occured. I hope this letter shows the health professionals that they have the support of the Department of Health  in identifying and eliminating this practise which has no medical, social or cultural benefits .”

The Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Nursing in the Department of Health have written  to healthcare professionals setting out the actions that should be taken to identify and safeguard women who have suffered from, or who are at risk of suffering from, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The letter was also signed by the Royal Medical Colleges. 

A copy of the letter can be read here.