Urogynaecology service at a district general hospital in the United Kingdom-changing needs or a better understanding?

Abstract

The UK population is ageing rapidly, with 51% of the population predicted to be over 65 years of age by 2030 compared to 2010 [1]. The urogynaecological problems in women increase with age affecting over 20% of the adult population [2]. The National Health services (NHS) will have to transform to deal with very large increases in demand for and costs of health and social care. A study forecasting the prevalence of urogynaecological problems in the US forecasted a 50% increase in the service for urogynaecological conditions2. Role of integrated continence services within acute hospitals is gaining interest. A remarkable shift in NHS services will need good joined up primary and specialist care, community care and social care, with effective out of hour’s service. Urogynaecology offers a mix of problems affecting pelvic floor in a woman. It involves treating women with urinary and/or anal symptoms (urgency, incontinence, incomplete emptying) [3], pelvic organ prolapses (POP) and impact of these symptoms on sexual function. It is a relatively new sub-speciality which requires a holistic approach to a patient symptoms and expert skills to overcome demands from aging female population and fulfilling patient expectations.