Frances Watkins, Hobart, TAS

TasIVF was established in Hobart in 1983, the first in vitro fertilisation clinic in Tasmania. Professor Joe Correy headed the Unit, and together with Dr. Rod Watkins and Dr. Geoff Bradfield (clinicians), Dr. Wes Whitten and Helen McCallum (scientists) and Gwen Gray (nurse) formed the first team. The first Ovum Pick Up was performed on July 13th 1983, and fifteen months after opening, on the 1st May 1984, the first baby was born. Embryo freezing was introduced in August 1986 and following the establishment of the donor oocyte program, the world's second frozen donor oocyte baby was born in July 1987. Microinjection has been a part of routine practice since May 1995. Our specialist clinicians conduct patient consultations in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. The IVF unit where all day surgery and lab work are conducted, is located on Level 2 of St Helens Private Hospital, 186 Macquarie Street, Hobart.