A new modernised fertility clinic has opened its door in Southampton to meet a rising demand.
TFP Wessex Fertility has opened its new facility, which will increase patient treatment capacity by 25 per cent to help meet the rising demand for fertility services in southern England.
This comes 46 years after the first Wessex Fertility clinic was formed in the University Hospital Southampton in 1979, just one year after Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, was born in 1978.
Dr Sue Ingamells, who co-founded the clinic and is announcing her retirement, said: “After almost two decades at TFP Wessex Fertility, I am so proud of how far we've come and the patients we helped thus far.
"With this exciting new chapter, the clinic is in the brilliant hands of Dr Claire Banks and the team, who are ready to continue advancing and ensure that every family receives the support and care they deserve.
"My greatest joy has been helping dreams come true, and I know the future holds even more remarkable moments for our patients.”
The lab features state-of-the-art technology, such as advanced technology for optimal embryo development and new services such as Rescue ICSI, combining leading science with patient-focused care.
Data has shown that egg-freezing cycles surged by 64% from 2019 to 2021 (HFEA, 2023), and there was a 243 per cent increase in single women seeking treatment from 2012 to 2022 (HFEA, 2024). It is vital that clinics can keep up with growing demand.
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Dr Claire Banks, medical director at TFP Wessex Fertility said: “I am incredibly honoured to lead TFP Wessex Fertility into this next phase of growth and innovation.
"With the expansion, we are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and enhanced facilities to offer our patients even more personalised, high-quality care.
"Our team remains dedicated to helping families grow, and with these improvements, we are poised to provide even more successful outcomes and a compassionate, holistic approach to fertility treatment.”
Over the past three years, during the three months between December to February, the Southampton fertility clinic has seen a 24 per cent increase in enquiries.
This corresponds with the nationwide data from the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), which revealed that, across the UK, IVF cycles have increased by 11 per cent over recent years as the fertility sector provides more options to help people create families.
A public open day will be held on April 5, between 2-4 pm for past, present, and prospective patients to visit the new facility.
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