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The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) has become the first Trust in Norfolk and Suffolk to become a recognised ‘Centre of Excellence’ for urogynaecology.

This accreditation by the British Society of Urogynaecology means that NNUH meets the highest UK standards for urogynaecology, a specialist area which looks at the diagnoses and treatment of female pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

The purpose of the accreditation is to define and monitor standards of care, organisation and quality within urogynaecology units, provide a framework that will help these units enhance patient care and identify those units which deliver best practice.

The accreditation process begun in June 2015, where work started on an application folder to highlight the work carried out by the urogynaecology team at NNUH. This took two years to compile and was submitted in July 2017. Only applications of a very high standard can then go through to the next stage, where assessors visit the trust to carry out interviews and audits to ensure the process of patient care is also of a high standard.

On 12th of January 2018, assessors from the British Society of Urogynaecology visited the Trust to inspect the urogynaecology facilities, urodynamic physiology unit, physiotherapy department, operating theatres and other clinical areas. Each member of the urogynaecology team was interviewed and all patient facilities individually assessed.

Assessors particularly commended the unit for the excellent leadership and team working by the lead of the service and for the team work between the three Consultant Urogynaecologists, the Specialist Nurses, and other related disciplines, such as Urology and Colorectal Surgery.

Mr Ilias Giarenis, NNUH Consultant Gynaecologist said: “We are delighted to receive accreditation from The British Society for Urogynaecology who has set very high standards for urogynaecology care. Accreditation is evidence that the team is working together to provide excellent treatment and continuously improve care for all our patients.”

Mr Sambit Mukhopadhyay, Lead for Urogynaecology at NNUH said: “The team is very proud of this achievement, as this accreditation is the result of many years’ hard work by the team of specialists who include consultants, specialist nurses, physiotherapists and secretaries, as well as the Urologists and Coloproctologists for contribution towards the multi-disciplinary team.”

Mark Davies, NNUH Chief Executive said: “I would like to congratulate all those involved in achieving this accreditation. This is great news for both the Trust and for our patients and highlights the fantastic expertise of our team who continue to deliver a fantastic service to patients here in Norfolk.”

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