PACE (Pelvic Floor and Continence Evaluation) Clinic

The PACE Clinic provides specialist assessment for:

• Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed incontinence)
• Frequent urination and overactive bladder symptoms
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Recurrent urinary tract symptoms
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Bowel incontinence (faecal incontinence)
• Urgency to open the bowels
• Constipation
• Obstructive defaecation syndrome (difficulty evacuating the bowels)
• Incomplete bowel emptying
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Symptoms following childbirth-related pelvic floor injury
• Pelvic floor concerns associated with ageing, menopause, or previous pelvic surgery

The PACE Clinic at Meriden Hospital provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary “one-stop” assessment designed to make the patient journey simpler and more efficient.

Instead of attending multiple separate appointments with different specialists, patients receive a full, joined-up evaluation in a single visit.

This collaborative approach enables the team to:

• Gain a thorough understanding of your symptoms and medical history
• Assess bladder and bowel function in detail
• Evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength, function, and coordination
• Identify any underlying or contributing factors affecting your symptoms
• Discuss suitable treatment options on the day
• Develop a personalised, individualised management plan tailored to your needs

Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about:

• Your bladder symptoms
• Your bowel symptoms
• Pelvic floor concerns
• Obstetric and gynaecological history
• Medical and surgical history
• Current medications
• Lifestyle factors that may affect symptoms

We encourage patients to discuss all symptoms openly so that we can develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

2. Specialist Pelvic Floor Assessment.

You will be assessed jointly by a Consultant Urogynaecologist and a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist.

A detailed pelvic floor assessment may include evaluation of:

• Pelvic organ support
• Pelvic floor muscle strength
• Muscle coordination and ability to relax

Your comfort, dignity, and privacy are prioritised at all times throughout the examination.

3. Advanced Diagnostic Assessment

Where appropriate, additional investigations can be performed during the same appointment. These may include:

• Endoanal Ultrasound Scan
• An endoanal ultrasound scan allows detailed assessment of the anal sphincter muscles.

These investigations can help identify:

• Childbirth-related sphincter injuries
• Sphincter defects
• Causes of bowel incontinence
• Structural abnormalities affecting bowel control
• Lower abdominal pain

Following your assessment

At the end of your appointment, we will discuss:

• Findings from your assessment
• Results of any investigations performed
• Your diagnosis
• Treatment options
• A personalised management plan

Recommendations may include:

• Pelvic floor physiotherapy
• Lifestyle and dietary advice
• Bladder retraining
• Bowel management strategies
• Medications
• Further investigations if required
• Surgical treatment options where appropriate

A detailed clinic report will be provided to you and, with your consent, shared with your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

 If you want to book an appointment, have any questions or need further information about the PACE Clinic.
Please contact our Appointments Office on 024 7664 7072 or book an appointment online
with Mrs Supriya Bulchandani, our Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (Sub-Specialist Urogynaecology).