Purdy plaque in place for International Womens Day

A new plaque to honour two women who played pivotal roles in the birth of the world’s first test tube baby has been unveiled at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

The pioneers of IVF in Oldham are most widely known as scientist Robert Edwards and medic Patrick Steptoe – but in fact two overlooked female nurses also played crucial roles.

Recently uncovered records revealed that embryologist Jean Purdy was snubbed when the team responsible for the birth of Louise Brown were honoured with a commemorative plaque in 1981.

Louise Brown was the world’s first in-vitro fertilised baby and was born at The Royal Oldham Hospital on July 25, 1978.

The approved wording of the plaque authorised by the Oldham Area Health Authority only recognised the two male doctors, and ‘supporting staff’, despite protestations from Dr Edwards at the time.

Now, after a long campaign involving the Oldham Chronicle and national media, health campaigner and Health and Social Care Cabinet Member, Dr Zahid Chauhan and colleagues have unveiled a plaque at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

The plaque commemorates the 'significant part' Nurse Embryologist Jean Purdy and Operating Theatre Superintendent Sister Muriel Harris played in the development of IVF in Oldham.

Dr Chauhan says it's a timely reminder that women still receive less recogntion than men.

"Jean’s contribution is being honoured as part of a change in our society that means at last, women who have served our health service imperiously are recognised

"Although cancer meant she lost her life far too early, I am sure she will be somewhere looking down on us and recognising another step forward on the eve of International Women’s Day."

Nine out of ten female medics told the British Medical Association last year that they had experienced sexism in the workplace.

Although women now outnumber men at UK Medical Schools, Dr Chauhan believes that they are still being manoeuvred into other roles that some people wrongly perceive as more feminine. Men experience that same prejudice when they opt to become carers and nurses, he argues.

"We are at a time of crisis in recruiting GPs in particular and must make these professions seem attractive again to everyone.

"Plus, we have a duty to reflect the balance of our society in the health carers we employ. Morally, we have no right to tell a man he cannot be a carer or dissuade a woman from a career in medicine."

The world's first 'test-tube baby', Louise Brown was born in what was then Oldham General Hospital on July 25, 1978.

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