POGP History

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

Start of World War 2

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.

Finish of world war 2

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).

First annual study weekend

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

OPA Research sub-committee formed

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. 

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. 

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

Dame Jospehine Barnes becomes ACPOG president

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

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

Formal launch of the Dame Josephine Barnes bursary

Commencement of an annual POGP conference

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”

ACPOG Foundation course PACE/CSP accreditation

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.

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

Professor Linda Cardozo FRCOG  becomes president

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

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

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

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

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

Appointment of Professional editor to support the Journal subcommittee

Area representatives formed

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

The first website of the organisation was launched

ACPWH approved workshops launched

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

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

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.

ACPWH website was relaunched as a microsite of the CSP

NCOC (National Conference Organising Committee) formed

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”.

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.

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

Visit POGP on Twitter

Visit POGP on Facebook

Miss Karen Nugent FRCS becomes president of POGP

POGP Journal Twitter feed launched

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

70th anniversary of POGP

Special edition of the POGP journal and conference.

70 Years of POGP video made

Watch it here

POGP becomes a registered charity

Charity number 1181424

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

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

Launch of new POGP website

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

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

Covid-19 Pandemic 

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

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

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

Visit instagram

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'.

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.

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

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.

New Gender-Affirming Care booklets 

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.

75 years of the POGP

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

The 1st POGP podcast was produced.

POGP Research Network formed