As many of you will be aware the NHS funds male circumcision only where there is a medical reason. This poses something of a problem for parents seeking to have their boys circumcised to meet religious or cultural requirements. A local steering group of community organisations and NHS staff have been working together to find a solution to this dilemma for Bristol families.
We are pleased to announce that we now provide a local service available for all children registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The service for baby boys aged 1 – 6 months is provided by Dr Parrott and Dr Wright at Eastville Health Centre. The circumcision is performed in Eastville Health Centre under local anaesthetic and the cost, which includes full clinical support and aftercare, is £180. We provide a safe and local service that works closely with Bristol Children’s Hospital. The doctors who carry out the service have been trained and examined by a Consultant Surgeon in Bradford, and have carried out many successful operations. Our experienced, trained nursing staff assist in the service and make sure that the baby is well before and after the circumcision.
A service for boys older than 6 months will also be provided by Mr Mark Woodward, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The circumcision will be performed in hospital under general anaesthetic and the cost, which again includes full clinical support and aftercare, will be £700.
Parents wishing to have their sons circumcised are strongly encouraged to use the new service and to avoid using any service which is offered at a community centre, restaurant or private home, as these are not safe services and could place children at risk.
Parents accessing services elsewhere are advised to check that any service they use provides good information, support and aftercare. Parents are also advised to make sure that any concerns regarding aftercare are raised as soon as possible with their GP. Male circumcision, when conducted properly is a relatively simple procedure, with only a small chance of complications such as bleeding and infection.
For more information contact Bookings Clerk at Eastville Health Centre on 0117 902 6770 Monday to Friday
Acknowledgements
Several organisations and individuals have supported safe male circumcision practice and services that provide this.
Amana Education Trust
Bangladeshi Association
Bristol Male Circumcision Campaign Group
Bristol Muslim Cultural Society (BMCS)
Bristol Primary Care Trust Drs Parrott and Wright, Eastville Health Centre
Non Executive Directors Bristol North Primary Care Trust
United Bristol Healthcare Trust