Philippa Bennett
21 March, 2025
Business

Fertility Clinic Expands to Meet Rising Demand for Services in Southampton and Surrounding Areas

TFP Wessex Fertility has opened the doors to its new modernised facility, which will increase patient treatment capacity by 25 percent to help meet the rising demand for fertility services in southern England. This momentous achievement 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.

The Mayor officially opens TFP Wessex Fertility in Southampton

Over the past three years, during the 3 months between December to February, the Southampton fertility clinic has seen a 24% 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 percent over recent years as the fertility sector provides more options to help people create families.

Since Wessex Fertility moved to the Shirley Freya Centre in 2004 and joined TFP Fertility Group Limited in 2017, the team has helped many people struggling to conceive and has celebrated over 5,500 IVF babies born from its services to date.

TFP Wessex Fertility Reception
TFP Wessex Fertility Reception Credit: TFP Fertility

The clinic's modernisation has improved accessibility and privacy. It prioritises comfort and care. The lab features state-of-the-art technology to meet patient needs, such as advanced technology for optimal embryo development and new services such as Rescue ICSI, combining leading science with patient-focused care.

Dr Claire Banks
Dr Claire Banks Credit: TFP Fertility

Dr Sue Ingamells, who co-founded the clinic and announces her retirement, says, “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.”

Fertility treatment is increasingly essential as UK birth rates are at an all-time low (ONS, 2023). The effects of societal and economic pressures have a direct effect on the future population. Data has shown that egg freezing cycles surged by 64% from 2019 to 2021 (HFEA, 2023), and there was a 243% increase in single women seeking treatment from 2012 to 2022 (HFEA, 2024). It is vital that clinics can keep up with growing demand.

Dr Claire Banks, Medical Director at TFP Wessex Fertility says, “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.”

A public open day will be held on 5th April 2025 between 2-4 pm for past, present, and prospective patients to visit the new facility. https://tfp-fertility.com/en-gb/tfp-wessex-fertility/our-clinic/events/information-event-registration