School children to visit fertility centre in Sheffield

Jessop Fertility, based in the Jessop Wing Hospital and part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is welcoming school children to the unit as part of Healthcare Science Week.

Embryologists at the unit will be showcasing some of their cutting-edge technology to students from King Ecgbert’s School, Dore.

Staff will also be paying a visit to Sheffield High School to talk about their work as part of Healthcare Science Week, which is designed to promote the work of healthcare science professionals and highlight the difference they make to patients’ lives

Operating from five purpose-built labs, a full range of assisted conception techniques are provided at the unit including treatment with donor egg and sperm, using spare frozen embryos for future treatment after IVF and intrauterine insemination.

Rachel Cutting, principal embryologist and quality manager at Jessop Fertility, said: “We are seeing fertility problems become more and more common, with one in six couples estimated to have difficulty conceiving.

“Engaging with local schools like this gives us the opportunity to highlight and educate students on the factors that can affect a person’s fertility including following a healthy diet and other lifestyle factors that can impact on fertility such as low sperm count.”

Around 1,500 people attend Jessop Fertility each year.

For details visit www.jessopfertility.org.uk/