The Clinical Investigation Unit, Ham Green Hospital

In 1971 a small research unit was established in the corner of the respiratory function laboratory, attached to the Intensive Care Ward at Ham Green Hospital. The project was to study the problems of bladder control in both men and women by using objective measurements. Thus urodynamic techniques were introduced to Bristol by Roger Feneley, supported by the late Professor Atholl Riddell who seconded a research registrar for the first year. The immediate task was to establish a method of investigating bladder disorders by measurement of urine flow rates and bladder and urethral pressures during filling and voiding. It is these tests which have become recognised as Urodynamic Studies and are accepted as an essential contribution to the investigation of the lower urinary tract. Reliable and interesting information was obtained within the course of the next few years and a number of research fellows published these and gave papers on their work undertaken in the Unit. In 1977 the Medical Research Council gave us a substantial 5 year grant to study various aspects of lower urinary tract disorders. This included the continuation of urodynamic assessment, an evaluation of methods of clinical management and further work on aetiology and treatment of specific bladder conditions. We were asked to design a simple piece of equipment for use in urodynamic investigation and to join with the Medical Research Unit at Northwick Park Hospital in a study on the prevalence of incontinence in the community. The Clinical Investigation Unit was thus established. More accommodation was urgently needed and we moved into the recently vacated Intensive Care Unit (I and J Wards). Our medical staff increased to include an Associate Specialist, a Clinical Assistant and two Research Fellows. Nurses, technicians, secretaries and physiotherapists completed the team and currently there are five full time and nine part time members contributing to the work of the Unit.