A midwife made an MBE in the New Year Honours list hopes FGM reconstruction surgery will soon be offered by the NHS.

Huda Mohamed, a female genital mutilation specialist at Whittington Health, said that she wants to bring about “positive changes” in the lives of survivors.

She has worked for the NHS trust, which runs Whittington Hospital, since 2004, becoming its lead FGM midwife eight years ago.

Huda said that the honour is a “deeply significant recognition”, and expressed gratitude to FGM survivors and families for placing their trust in her.

The midwife, who is tri-lingual, said that her ethnic minority background had been “valuable” in connecting with women in her care.

She added: “In my time, I have seen over 100 women with FGM, including asylum seekers and refugees, frequently deprived and vulnerable.

“I help them to understand the complications and consequences of these practices within the UK law, and I make sure they understand the range of support available to them as a part of running FGM assessments for service users, families and carers.”

Huda said that she has helped NHS Digital develop a new national information sharing system (FGM-IS) as well as championing reconstruction surgery and psychosexual therapy within the NHS.

She explained: “Reconstruction surgery is currently not available on the NHS, which means most survivors cannot afford to access it.

“I have been part of a campaign at the House of Lords in May 2023 advocating for this to change.”

Huda thanked the “dedicated” maternity staff at Whittington Health, claiming that their “collaborative efforts and support” have been invaluable during her time at the trust.

She said: “My deepest gratitude to my family and dearest friends for their love and support - their unwavering belief have been instrumental in my journey over the years, and I am forever grateful for them.

“My hope is to bring about positive changes in the lives of FGM survivors, humanising our approach and ensuring holistic and empathetic care for people.

“Each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact, and this journey is not just a profession for me. It is a heartfelt mission to nurture and uplift those in need.”