For a more detailed history of BAUS, click here to go to the Virtual Museum (History of Urology).
BAUS was founded in 1945. Mr R Ogier Ward of St Peter's Hospital, London has been credited with the concept of establishing an Association of Urologists. Ogier Ward had taken part in discussions on the Government White Paper on a National Health Service and was concerned there was no organisation in Britain to speak for urology. Sir Alfred Webb-Johnson (President of The Royal College of Surgeons of England) and Sir Ernest Rock Carling (adviser to the Ministry of Health) advised Ogier Ward to set up such an Association to speak on the Consultants' Advisory Committee and compile a survey of urological requirements for the new NHS.
At the end of 1944, a circular letter was sent to 29 consultant surgeons, known to be interested in Urology at that time, proposing the formation of an Association of Urologists with the object of promoting the general interests of the practice of urology.
The inaugural meeting of The British Association of Urological Surgeons was held in The Royal College of Surgeons of England on 17 March 1945 with 37 members in attendance. The meeting was opened by Sir Alfred Webb-Johnson: Mr Ogier Ward was elected President of the new Association and Mr Eric Riches was the first Honorary Secretary. Its object was "to promote a high standard in the practice of urology". The first Annual Meeting was held on 29 June 1945, also at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.
From the outset Mr Ogier Ward addressed the two most urgent needs of Urology in the face of impending formation of the NHS - how many urologists would be needed and how should they be trained. These questions have continued to occupy BAUS ever since .....
