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 1100 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
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.
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
In 1975, OACP purchased two insignia using the sum of £100 that had been left as a bequest by Miss Minnie Randell
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
OACP changes its name to include gynaecology and became ACPOG – The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
1988
Formal launch of the Dame Josephine Barnes bursary
1990
Commencement of an annual POGP conference
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
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
In 1998, ACPWH became a founder member of the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women’s Health (IOPTWH)
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
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
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
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
ACPWH website was relaunched as a microsite of the CSP
2012
NCOC (National Conference Organising Committee) formed
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
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
Miss Karen Nugent FRCS becomes president of POGP
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
70th anniversary of POGP
Special edition of the POGP journal and conference.
2019
POGP becomes a registered charity
Charity number 1181424
2020
Launch of new POGP website
New POGP website launched to include a new patient section and searchable directory
2020
POGP launches first online course with Positive Pause in response to restrictions from the Covid Pandemic.
2020
Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic causes widespread changes and difficulties in both personal and professional lives.