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POGP History


POGP, formerly The Obstetric Association of Chartered Physiotherapists was formed in 1948 by members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy interested in obstetrics. It was one of the earliest clinical physiotherapy interest groups to be formed.

The Association currently has a worldwide membership of over 1350 members. We are affiliated to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and are known as a recognized Professional Network. We are also a founder member of the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women's Health (IOPTWH).

View the POGP Constitution.

At POGP we are very proud of the historical prestige we have with over seven decades of history. We invite you to view a rolling timeline of our history below.

1920

Chartered society of massage and medical gymnastics (CSMMG) (now called the CSP) is granted Royal Charter by King George V

1939
1939

Start of World War 2

1944

CSMMG changes its name to CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)


The members of the CSP were a mixture of trained nurses with an interest in massage and medical gymnasts, and this combination was re- flected in the medical professionals who influ- enced the formation of the OPA.

1945
1945

Finish of world war 2

1948
1948

NHS is formed
POGP is formed originally called the OPA (Obstetric Physiotherapy Association)


One of the earliest clinical interest groups to be formed.

The founding members of the OPA were:

• Helen Heardman (Leeds);

• Miss Minnie Randell (St Thomas’ Hospital, London);

• Miss Ebner (Principal, School of Physiotherapy, Leeds);

• Eileen Montgomery (Bristol);

• Miss Shires (Charing Cross Hospital, London);

• Margaret Williams (Edgeware General Hospital, London);

• Kit Greenhill (Royal Free Hospital, London);

• Miss Gray (Glasgow);

• Miss Johnson (Leeds).

1950

First annual study weekend

1951

First Newsletter of Obstetric Physiotherapy Association (OPA) began edited by Margaret Williams.

1951

OPA Research sub-committee formed

1951

OPA created a 'research subcommittee' which today is called the 'Education Subcommittee'. This large subcommittee robustly ensures all content created by POGP, including Good Practice Statements and booklets, are highly researched, peer reviewed and regularly updated. 

1952

Became recognised SIG (special interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) and underwent our first name change from OPA  to OACP, Obstetric Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. 

 

1975
1975

In 1975, OACP purchased two insignia using the sum of £100 that had been left as a bequest by Miss Minnie Randell

1978
1978

Dame Jospehine Barnes becomes ACPOG president


Holds role for 18 years and instrumental in the development of the Dame Josephine Barnes bursary in 1988.

1978
1978

OACP changes its name to include gynaecology and became ACPOG – The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

1988
1988

Formal launch of the Dame Josephine Barnes bursary

1990

Commencement of an annual POGP conference

1990
1990

Anne Bird Award launched


The Anne Bird Award was launched in memory of the chairman of ACPOG from 1985 to 1988. This still remains the organization’s only prize that fellow members of the association can bestow upon a colleague. It is given for “overall excellence, professionalism and empathy”

1992

ACPOG Foundation course PACE/CSP accreditation

1994
1994

ACPOG renamed to ACPWH (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health)


A new logo was introduced that incorporated a primrose, the Chinese symbol for women’s health, into the original design of the lotus flower, the Egyptian symbol for childbirth, and the CSP’s “helping hands” motif.

1994

The membership categories also changed again. Only those who had completed an accredited post-registration course were eligible for full membership of the association.

1995

Professor Linda Cardozo FRCOG  becomes president

1996

University of East London (UEL) develops a Graduate certificate in Professional Development in Health; Continence (level 3)

1998
1998

In 1998, ACPWH became a founder member of the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women’s Health (IOPTWH)

1998
1998

50th anniversary of POGP (at the time ACPWH) year, ceremonial chains were purchased for the insignia with money bequeathed by Kit Greenhill and a donation from Margie Polden’s family

1999

University of Bradford established 2 postgrad modules


The University of Bradford established two postgraduate modules dealing with the theory and practice of physiotherapy in women’s health that replaced the previous post-registration course that led to full membership

2000
2000

Margie Polden Student bursary and memorial lectured commenced.

The memorial lecture remains in all our conferences


As a result of a generous grant from her family, the Margie Polden Student Bursary was launched in memory of Margie (POGP 2018), and the Margie Polden Memorial Lecture was also instituted

2000

Appointment of Professional editor to support the Journal subcommittee

2000
2000

Area representatives formed


A network of local support for members formed across the UK and abroad. 

2001

The first website of the organisation was launched

2002

ACPWH approved workshops launched

2004
2004

Further development of Bradford course and approval as part of MSc in Rehabilitation studies

2005

University of Bradford develops ‘The Continence for Physiotherapists programme as an addition to MSc in rehabilitation studies.

2007

Award of 60 M level credits for the post graduate certificate either in ‘Physiotherapy in Women’s Health’ or ‘Continence for Physiotherapists’ from the University of Bradford leads to Full membership of ACPWH.

2011
2011

ACPWH website was relaunched as a microsite of the CSP

2012

NCOC (National Conference Organising Committee) formed

2013
2013

Name change to POGP


In 2013, the membership voted at the AGM to accept yet another new name, Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, and the strapline “Excellence Matters”.

2014
2014

Rebranding


The rebranding took place in 2014, and resulted in a new badge that retained the flower motif and acknowledged the “held” nature of the specialty, but added gender balance in its colour scheme.

2014
2014

First POGP tweet sent and formation of the members only facebook page.


Visit POGP on Twitter

Visit POGP on Facebook

2014

Miss Karen Nugent FRCS becomes president of POGP

2016
2016

POGP Journal Twitter feed launched

2017

Formation of the communications sub-committee


A new subcommittee formed to assist with the development of the social media platforms and improved dissemination of information for members

2018
2018

70th anniversary of POGP


Special edition of the POGP journal and conference.

2018
2018

70 Years of POGP video made

Watch it here

2019
2019

POGP becomes a registered charity


Charity number 1181424

2019
2019

First academic year for  Brunel University MSc ACP (pelvic health) 2019/ 2020.

This 3 year staged programme provides advancing education within pelvic health.

2020
2020

Launch of new POGP website


New POGP website launched to include a new patient section and searchable directory

2020
2020

POGP launches first online course with Positive Pause in response to restrictions from the Covid Pandemic.  

2020
2020

Covid-19 Pandemic 


The Covid-19 pandemic causes widespread changes and difficulties in both personal and professional lives. 

2021
2021

POGP recognised Brunel University Pgcert ACP (pelvic health) as route to POGP full membership

2021
2021

The POGP created an Instagram account and 1st post was shared.


Visit instagram

2022
2022

Collaboration with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy to host a roundtable of experts to discuss postpartum care across the globe in '4th Trimester Care Around the World'.

2022
2022

Recite me accessibility toolbar added to the webiste.


To support our diverse range of customers, POGP now provides enhanced accessibility support online to create a barrier-free user experience.

2022
2022

POGP became an Affiliate Society of IUGA ( International Urogynecological Association).

2022
2022

Three new research grants of up to £5000 were announced.  One of which is the Dr Jo Laycock Memorial Research Grant will be awarded to projects that pertain to the field of continence.

2022
2022

New Gender-Affirming Care booklets 

 

2023
2023

Ruth Hawkes early career award launched.


The course is named after Ruth Hawkes FCSP who during her first tenure as POGP (then ACPWH) Chair in 2000 founded the organisation’s short courses. She has continued to support their development whilst in her various roles of Education subcommittee chair and her second tenure as POGP Chair. She believes strongly in the role of the organisation in mentoring, supporting and nurturing physiotherapists who show an interest in pelvic health physiotherapy.

The award funds a place on each of the POGP short courses.

2023
2023

75 years of the POGP


Sell out 1st Conference since the COVID pandemic celebrating 75 years.

2023
2023

The 1st POGP podcast was produced.

2024
2024

POGP Research Network formed