British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG)

The British Society of Urogynaecology was formed in 2001 following a request from the then College President Bob Shaw. He wanted to have Specialist Societies who could advise the RCOG in areas relating to their subspecialty. While he was keen to affiliate them to the College, this was initially rejected by the Council. Nonetheless, the College Officers realised the importance of a close working relationship with Specialist Societies and so a College Officers/Specialist Societies Liaison Group was formed. This meets twice a year to discuss issues of common interest.

At the time of the request, apart from the Research Urogynaecology Society (RUGS) set up by Stuart Stanton some years previously, no British Urogynaecological society existed. Linda Cardozo, with whom Bob Shaw had spoken, therefore proposed that one should be formed and approached Bob Freeman and Vik Khullar who were Chairman and Secretary of RUGS at the time. They with others started working on a constitution and setting up a General committee/Executive and subcommittees.

Aims of BSUG:
• To encourage the study and management of female pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, POP and faecal incontinence.
• To raise and set standards of training in urogynaecology, by providing a network of support through discussion, study and communication.
• To aid an effective network of care for Urogynaecology patients throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• To provide a forum for practitioners with an interest in Urogynaecology throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• To train gynaecologists in Specialist Urogynaecology skills and to oversee Continuing Medical education.
• To promote the work and provide support to the research Urogynaecology Society.
• To collect and disseminate information on all matters including epidemiological research and multicentre trials.
• To organise clinical meetings and bring together conference members and where appropriate other allied organisations, patient support groups, relevant Government bodies, statutory authorities and individuals.
• To arrange and provide for exhibitions, meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and training courses for benefit of its members.