Dr Kershaw’s stars in Netflix’s viral IVF film, Joy
Date published: 28 November 2024
The Society of Biology plaque honouring IVF pioneers at the entrance gate of Dr Kershaw's on Turf Lane in Royton
Not everyone in Oldham may be aware, but the birth of IVF actually took place on the grounds of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton.
The incredible contributions of the scientists are honoured by a plaque on its entrance gate.
Exploring the moving story behind the world’s first IVF baby, Joy is currently topping the Netflix charts.
The film stars Bill Nighy, James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie and follows the incredible work of the British scientists who changed fertility treatment forever.
Jean Purdy, Patrick Steptoe and Robert (Bob) Edwards established a research laboratory on the grounds of Dr Kershaw’s – then known as Dr Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital – in 1971.
It was here that the trio developed in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
This procedure involves combining the sperm and egg outside the body and then implanting the fertilised egg (embryo) in the woman’s womb to grow into a baby.
Louise Joy Brown became the world’s first ‘test-tube baby’ when she was born at Oldham General Hospital at 11.47pm on July 25, 1978, weighing 5lb 12 ounces.
Her “one in a million” birth provoked attention from the international press.
While the scientists were criticised by some groups for ‘going against nature’, the successful birth also gave hope to families struggling with fertility.
To date, more than 12 million babies have been born through IVF, making it possible for single females or same-sex couples to achieve their dreams of having a family.
In 2010, following the death of his co-scientists, Dr Edwards was awarded a Nobel Prize.
Dr Kershaw’s remains proud of its part in the history of IVF treatment.
At its entrance gate, it highlights the amazing contribution of all three scientists with a wall plaque, which features in the closing scenes of the Netflix film.
In 2015, at the plaque unveiling ceremony, a statement from Louise Brown was read out.
It said: “My mum always spoke with great affection of her visits to the little cottage hospital in Oldham where the biologists did such great work.
“It was here Jean Purdy first saw cells divide through a microscope – the beginning of my life!”
Medical Director at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Dr Matthias Hohmann, added: “Not everyone in Oldham may have been aware that Dr Kershaw’s Hospice was once the very same ‘Dr Kershaw’s Cottage Hospital’ where the world’s first-ever successful IVF treatment took place.
“The blue plaque shown at the end of Joy is located at the hospice’s front gate on Turf Lane.
"We were delighted at how well the film portrays both Oldham’s and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice’s rich heritage.
“It is the care and love that nurses gave to their patients that made IVF at Dr Kershaw’s a success, and it is that same care and love that now makes our hospice such a safe and comforting environment for people with life-limiting illnesses.”
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
