Alnisa service
Service for women and girls across NHS Lothian who have had female genital mutilation (FGM). Pregnant and non-pregnant women can be seen. Non-pregnant women would be seen at Chalmers Centre in Edinburgh. Pregnant women are seen within hospital or a community setting. Community midwives ask all women at booking appointment about genital cutting or piercing.
A full risk assessment from both clinical and child protection viewpoint will be carried out by the Alnisa service. Verbal and written information about the law will be given. Referral to psychological services can be done as well as signposting to relevant community groups
Referrals are welcomed from GPs, hospital- based staff or from women themselves.
Women and girls who have had FGM can be referred.
Referral by email – Alnisa.service@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Please refer to Lothian Interagency guideline – http://intranet.lothian.scot.nhs.uk/Directory/PublicProtection/ChildProtection/Documents/Interagency%20FGM%20Procedures%20-%20Edinburgh%20%20Lothians%2021-6-17.pdf
Lothian Interagency Guidelines can be found here – http://intranet.lothian.scot.nhs.uk/Directory/PublicProtection/ChildProtection/Documents/Interagency%20FGM%20Procedures%20-%20Edinburgh%20%20Lothians%2021-6-17.pdf
National Guidelines can be found here –
Responding to female genital mutilation: multi-agency guidance – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Information about the law –
https://www.gov.scot/news/new-law-to-prevent-female-genital-mutilation-1/
