Correspondence

Jane Ellison writes to NHS partners about FGM summer vigilance

Warns of the need for increased vigilance over female genital mutilation in coming weeks and reminds staff of safeguarding responsibilities.

Applies to England

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Jane Ellison, Minister for Public Health, has written to all NHS Trust chief executives, directors of public health and chairs of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across England.

Her letter highlights the need for extra vigilance across the NHS as we approach the school summer holidays, a time when female genital mutilation (FGM) is often performed on young girls who are taken abroad for this purpose.

She outlines the ‘warning signs’ for NHS staff to look out for, and the range of support and training materials available.

It reiterates that FGM is illegal, and that safeguarding procedures must be followed every time there are concerns.

Published 10 July 2015