|
In 1992, Sarah Heatley,
a urology research nurse started BURNS -the British Urology Research
Nurse support group. Other nurses working in Urology heard of this,
and were quite envious; a meeting was arranged in April 1995 to see
if enough nurses were interested in forming a general association
- the room was crowded! BAUN was born!
The aims of the Association were always to develop urological nursing and support
urology nurses. Meetings were held at the BAUS annual conference and independent
winter meetings also took place. These provided networking and learning opportunities
for nurses and were always very well evaluated. In 2001 the first Annual Conference
was inaugurated; this remains the highlight of the BAUN year, thoroughly enjoyed
by all who attend.
The Association has also produced various guidelines for practice; a function
that continues today.
As it has grown BAUN has forged links with the Departments of Health throughout
the United Kingdom, various publishing groups, other nursing organisations, universities
and pharmaceutical companies. International links are also being established.
The Association has always worked closely with urological surgeons; a member
of BAUN Council sits on BAUS Council and our BAUN Council meetings are held in
the BAUS offices.
BAUN continues to grow and develop; it established its first sub-section (Oncology)
in 2002 and the BAUN Section of Andrology in 2005. It is anticipated that
more will follow as members identify sub-specialities needing individual attention.
Over the years, thanks to the enthusiasm of its members and the hard work of
those who have served on BAUN Council, the British Association of Urological
Nurses has developed and grown into the vibrant organisation it is today. |
|
|
|
