Urogynaecology is a sub specialty of Gynaecology that cares for women with pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor disorders affect the bladder, reproductive organs and bowel. They include urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. These problems are very common and may arise on women of any age.
Some pelvic floor disorders, such as prolapse are strongly associated with the effects of pregnancy and childbirth while others, such as overactive bladder, can occur without any obvious risk factor.
The Urogynaecology unit at The National Maternity Hospital is a multidisciplinary service with Consultant Urogynaecologists, Physiotherapists, and an Advanced Midwifery Practitioner working as a team to accurately diagnose and manage pelvic floor disorders.
Prof Declan Keane and Dr Gerry Agnew lead this service. Linda Kelly is an Advanced Midwife Practitioner in urodynamics.
Patients are referred to the Urogynaecology service by their GP. GPs should use the Gynaecology Referral Form on Healthlink to refer patients to the Urogynaecology Clinic. If a GP does not have access to Healthlink, this gynaecology electronic referral form should be completed and emailed to gynaeCRO@nmh.ie
If you have a question about your appointment, please contact the main gynaecology clinic. The Gynaecology Clinic is open Monday to Friday 08:00 - 18:00 hrs (excluding bank holidays).
Phone Numbers: 01 637 3502 / 01 637 3504. Please have your hospital number ready when you phone, it is detailed on your appointment letter.
Email: gynae@nmh.ie. If using email, please provide details of your full name, date of birth and hospital number with your query (your hospital number is on your appointment letter).
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is helpful for women with pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse and urinary incontinence. It may be possible for you to attend a physiotherapist locally while you wait for your appointment. Some lifestyle changes can also be useful for women with prolapse/urinary incontinence; weight reduction, smoking cessation, cutting down on caffeinated and fizzy drinks, management of constipation.
Please see videos from the Pelvic Floor Centre with physiotherapy information on prolapse and stress urinary incontinence as well as leaflets containing valuable information on pelvic floor problems. You may find both of these useful.
For postnatal women who have delivered their baby at The National Maternity Hospital, the hospital offers a virtual class “Healthy Bodies after Birth”. Please see our classes page for more information and how to book.
Additionally women who deliver in The National Maternity Hospital can self-refer to the physiotherapy service in the hospital within the first 6 months following delivery - contact physio@nmh.ie