 This fact sheet is available as a print friendly pdf in: English |
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Who can come to the clinic?
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The clinic is for women of all ages, young, pregnant or older, who have had female circumcision (traditional cutting) and would like to talk about reversing their circumcision.
This procedure is called deinfibulation though we will refer to it as reversal because this is what women seem to prefer.
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We do not do any other surgical procedures in this clinic.
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The clinic is on every alternate Friday morning
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How we look after you
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The clinic has a nurse and Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) worker. The nurse will talk with you about your health issues and circumcision. She will also talk with you about the procedure, changes you will feel after the procedure is done and your recovery.
The clinic nurse and FARREP worker can also give you information and support with other health issues you may want to talk about.
If you have a Medicare card the service is free. If you do not have a Medicare card please talk to the FARREP worker. You can call them on the (03) 8345 3058.
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Making an appointment
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You do not need a referral from your local doctor (GP) to come to this the clinic. Please telephone (03) 8345 3037, (03) 8345 3045 or 1800 442 007 (country callers) to make an appointment.
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If you need help to make an appointment contact FARREP on (03) 8345 3058.
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Your GP can fax a referral to (03) 8345 3036.
Please tell us if you need an interpreter at your appointments.
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You will have three appointments:
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- first appointment - we talk with you and find out about your health history
- second appointment - we do the reversal
- third appointment - we see how you are feeling and if the reversal is healing well.
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What will happen at my appointments?
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The clinic nurse will:
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- look at your circumcision to see what type of reversal you need
- talk to you about any health issues you may have
- if you decide you want a reversal we can give you information using pictures if you like. Or we can talk with you about how it is done
- talk to you about changes to your body after the reversal and your recovery
- if you have other health issues we can tell you about other services and how to contact them
- see you four weeks after the procedure to see how you are doing.
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The FARREP worker will:
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- support all women from cultures in which female circumcision is sometimes practised
- help to get you to your appointment and will be with you during your appointment with the nurse if you want them to
- help you with practical things like transport to and from the hospital, childcare, interpreters and other services
- give you information about useful services and how to contact them, at the hospital and in the community
- give you information about circumcision and the law in Victoria
- give you health information for you and your daughter.
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Clinic contact details
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The Well Women’s nurses are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Tel: (03) 8345 3045 or 1800 442 007
Email: whic@thewomens.org.au
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The FARREP workers are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Tel: (03) 8345 3058
Email: farrep.program@thewomens.org.au
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Or contact the FARREP worker at your local community health centre.
Ask for the fact sheet Female circumcision: Deinfibulation procedure information
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Published October 2010
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