Female genital mutilation (FGM)

What we do

The Chelsea and Westminster Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) service provides accessible comprehensive care for women with female genital mutilation. Also known as female circumcision or cutting, is practised most widely in Africa but also occurs in some Asian and the Middle Eastern countries. Girls and women from a variety of religious backgrounds are affected, as this is a social and not religious custom.

There are different types of FGM and is commonly performed in childhood, often in unhygienic conditions with no anaesthetic. In the short-term FGM may cause severe pain, and potentially life-threatening bleeding and infection. In the long-term it can cause gynaecological and obstetric problems.

Our aim is to make the service accessible to as many women as possible, irrespective of where they live and what language they speak. We work closely with community outreach teams and have interpreters on hand.

The FGM service is based in Gynaecology Outpatients and the clinic runs every Thursday.

Our team

• Ms Claudine Domoney, lead consultant
• Deborah Alcayde, FGM/Perineal Specialist Midwife
• Foteini Chatziioannou, FGM/Perineal Specialist Midwife

Location

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Gynaecology Outpatients
1st Floor
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH

Contact

T: 07812 378 363
E: caw-tr.fgmwestlondon@nhs.net