Launch of FGM e-learning resource

Launch of FGM e-learning resource

Next month Health Education England (HEE) will be launching a new e-learning resource designed to improve the knowledge and understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) amongst healthcare professionals in the NHS.

In the lead up to the official launch, HEE encourages everyone to visit the e-lfh.org.uk website to find out about how NHS staff, including school nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and GPs can gain access to this free interactive e-learning resource.

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, and supported by the Department of Health’s FGM Prevention team, the material deals with the issues posed by FGM at all stages of a girl or woman’s life, including the impact on physical and emotional health, legal status and referral pathways.

The content has been written by clinicians with real practical experience of working with women and children in this field, supported by a wide range of stakeholders (including survivors).

One aspect of the e-learning particularly focuses on communication to help staff approach the topic sensitively, which is unique to this e-learning programme.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are an estimated 130 million women and girls living with FGM worldwide. Most of these women are located in 29 African countries. In the UK, FGM is increasingly identified amongst migrants from FGM-practising countries. There are an estimated 137,000 women in the UK affected by FGM.

Professor Wendy Reid, Director of Education and Quality and Medical Director, Health Education England, said:

“I am delighted that HEE has taken the initiative to develop the workforce in this way on this hugely important topic.

This e-learning will make a major difference in ensuring healthcare staff in primary, secondary care and schools are much more aware of the issues, how to approach them and where to go and what to do.

The content of this e-learning is nationally endorsed and written by clinicians, so for the first time, addresses real clinical needs in a useful way.” Health Education England

http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/female-genital-mutilation