ObjectivesDescribe cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) presenting to consultant paediatricians and sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), including demographics, medical symptoms, examination findings and outcome.DesignThe well-established epidemiological surveillance study performed through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit included FGM on the monthly returns.SettingAll consultant paediatricians and relevant SARC leads across the UK and Ireland.PatientsUnder 16 years old with FGM.InterventionsData on cases from November 2015 to November 2017 and 12 months later meeting the case definition of FGM.Main outcome measuresReturns included 146 cases, 103 (71%) had confirmed FGM and 43 (29%) did not meet the case definition. There were none from Northern Ireland.ResultsThe mean reported age was 3 years. Using the WHO classification of FGM, 58% (n=60) had either type 1 or type 2, 8% (n=8) had type 3 and 21% (n=22) had type 4. 13% (n=13) of the cases were not classified and none had piercings or labiaplasty. The majority, 70% had FGM performed in Africa with others from Europe, Middle East and South-East Asia. There were few physical and mental health symptoms. Only one case resulted in a successful prosecution.ConclusionsThere were low numbers of children presenting with FGM and in the 2 years there was only one prosecution. The findings may be consistent with attitude changes in FGM practising communities and those at risk should be protected and supported by culturally competent national policies

AimsFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is the name given to procedures that involve partial or total removal or other injury to the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons. This study describes the presentation, incidence and clinical management of children with FGM in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).MethodsCases of FGM were reported using the established national British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) reporting system. The data period is from November 2015-November 2017 with a 12 month follow up.ResultsThese interim results are from 120 cases reported (November 2015-September 2017). 61 (51%) had confirmed FGM, 18 cases were reported in error or were duplicates, 36 questionnaires were incomplete [5 did not meet case definition]. 48% (n=29) of the 61 confirmed cases were classified as type 2.In over 72% of the 61 cases, the parent disclosed child’s history of FGM. At the time of diagnosis, 80% of children (n=49) were four years or older (11 cases not recorded). Most children were diagnosed between 5 years and 10 years 11 months (n=27) or 11 years and 15 years 11 months (n=20) with 3 cases diagnosed between 0 and 4 years 11 months. In 51% of cases FGM was said to have been performed when the child was between 0 and 3 years (n=31). 93% (n=57) were performed before arrival to the UK.13% (n=8) of children had medical symptoms attributed to FGM, with 7% (n=4) of children identified to have mental health symptoms relating to FGM. No children presented with a history of labiaplasty or genital piercing.ConclusionNumbers reported were lower than expected for UK estimated prevalence with fewer physical and mental health symptoms than anticipated. Further information is needed to determine illegality under UK law. These findings should be used to educate health, social care, police and education on prevention programmes to help influence national policies.

AimsFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is the name given to procedures that involve partial or total removal or other injury to the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons. This study describes the presentation, incidence and clinical management of children with FGM in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).MethodsCases of FGM were reported using the established national British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) reporting system. The data period is from November 2015-November 2017 with a 12 month follow up.ResultsThese interim results are from 120 cases reported (November 2015-September 2017). 61 (51%) had confirmed FGM, 18 cases were reported in error or were duplicates, 36 questionnaires were incomplete [5 did not meet case definition]. 48% (n=29) of the 61 confirmed cases were classified as type 2.In over 72% of the 61 cases, the parent disclosed child’s history of FGM. At the time of diagnosis, 80% of children (n=49) were four years or older (11 cases not recorded). Most children were diagnosed between 5 years and 10 years 11 months (n=27) or 11 years and 15 years 11 months (n=20) with 3 cases diagnosed between 0 and 4 years 11 months. In 51% of cases FGM was said to have been performed when the child was between 0 and 3 years (n=31). 93% (n=57) were performed before arrival to the UK.13% (n=8) of children had medical symptoms attributed to FGM, with 7% (n=4) of children identified to have mental health symptoms relating to FGM. No children presented with a history of labiaplasty or genital piercing.ConclusionNumbers reported were lower than expected for UK estimated prevalence with fewer physical and mental health symptoms than anticipated. Further information is needed to determine illegality under UK law. These findings should be used to educate health, social care, police and education on prevention programmes to influence national policies.FundingDepartment of Health England.

Implement and assess the effectiveness of safeguarding debrief sessions, 2) Gauge if nursing staff would benefit from debrief sessions. Methods Beginning March 2021, monthly virtual debrief sessions on difficult cases were discussed with King's College Hospital staff, who were involved in challenging child safeguarding scenarios. A post-session questionnaire was issued to assess session utility. A second questionnaire, December 2021, was also sent to specialist Safeguarding nurses who engaged in the sessions and dealt with difficult safeguarding cases to gauge their interest in further debrief sessions. Results There were seven responses to the March/April questionnaire. Although participants found the session moderately helpful and felt listened to too, the results indicated that the session failed to help staff manage challenging situations, nor did it provide tools to use in future cases. A prevailing theme was staff had different expectations of the session, and the virtual environment was not conducive to a useful session. Nine nursing staff responded to the second questionnaire, 8 of whom agreed the debrief sessions would be beneficial. Conclusion In conclusion, debrief sessions for child safeguarding can improve the mental wellbeing of staff. However, the sessions need to be held face-to-face, and a clear objective that aligns with staff expectations must be established before the session.

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