title: Implementation of a quality assurance process for non-therapeutic infant male circumcision providers in North West England.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Infant male circumcision is practised by many groups for religious and cultural reasons. Prompted by a desire to minimize the complication rate and to help parents identify good quality providers, a quality assurance (QA) process for infant male circumcision providers has been developed in Greater Manchester.
  
  
  METHODS
  Local stakeholders agreed a set of minimum standards, and providers were invited to submit evidence of their practice in relation to these standards. In participation with parents, community groups, faith groups, healthcare staff and safeguarding partners, an information leaflet for parents was produced. Engagement work with local community groups, faith groups, providers and healthcare staff was vital to ensure that the resources are accessible to parents and that providers continue to engage in the process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Providers that met the QA standards have been listed on a local website. Details of the website are included in the information leaflet distributed by maternity services, health visitors, primary care and community and faith groups. The leaflet is available in seven languages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Local QA processes can be used to encourage and identify good practice and to support parents who need to access services outside the remit of the National Health Service.
authors.affiliation: Mersey Deanery, NHS Tameside and Glossop, Tameside MBC Council Offices Public Health, Room 3.23, Wellington Road, Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Whittaker
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Gollins
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Roaf
mesh_terms: D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000592:standards*; D004739:England; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: circumcision; male; quality; safeguarding