Obituary: Dr Roy Farquharson

Dr Roy Farquharson sadly passed away in the early hours of Monday 5 October 2026 after complications of aortic aneurysm surgery. He was born in August 1951 and educated in Scotland, graduating in medicine from the University of Aberdeen in 1975.

His early medical training included obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery and neonatal paediatrics. He undertook his initial specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and the National Women's Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, before completing advanced specialist training at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. His doctoral thesis, on the hormones produced by the fetus and placenta during pregnancy, was accepted in 1986. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1993.

In 1986, he was appointed consultant and honorary lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology in Liverpool, where he worked alongside Harold and Winnie Francis. At the time, gynaecological and maternity services were provided at separate hospitals, including the gynaecology hospitals of Catherine Street and the maternity hospital on nearby Oxford Street. These services were not brought together at Liverpool Women's Hospital until 1993.

Roy's clinical and academic interests centred on reproductive medicine, particularly the causes and treatment of miscarriage. In 1987, he helped establish the Miscarriage Clinic at the old Women's Hospital in Liverpool, providing specialist care for women who experienced recurring pregnancy loss. This work became a defining part of his career.

Roy went on to hold a number of influential roles in the development of early pregnancy care and guidance. He chaired the Association of Early Pregnancy Units from 2006 to 2011 and coordinated the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Special Interest Group for Early Pregnancy from 2006 to 2010. He also contributed to national clinical guidance as a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline group on the diagnosis and management of miscarriage from 2010 to 2013, followed by its Evidence Update Advisory Group on ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in 2014.

His work also extended to the wider international reproductive medicine community. He served on ESHRE's Executive Committee from 2011 to 2015 before becoming its charismatic chair from 2017-2019. Roy retired from active clinical practice in Liverpool in 2016.

In many respects Roy was a fascinating enigma. A proud Scot, he loved nothing more than a trip to Murrayfield to watch the rampant Scots win the Calcutta Cup and very occasionally the Five Nations. He loved sculling at university and more recently enjoyed rowing on the River Dee around Chester. An occasional golfer, I vividly remember his hole in one at the Liverpool consultants versus theatre staff annual match at Caldy on the Wirral, when he treated everyone present to a generous drink or two. He was a connoisseur of wine and a great believer in the wee nightcap – but preferably one of Campeltown's Springbank. Interestingly, he was a fluent Russian speaker, an avid member of the West Kirby cricket team on the Wirral and probably, above all, was his passion for the 'Blues' and his season ticket at Everton football club.

The love, affection and friendship Roy inspired have been epitomised in the many tributes from colleagues of the Gynaecological Club of Great Britain and Ireland, of which he was a very proud and active member. He is remembered as being an absolute legend and a great friend. He was simply great fun to be with, always so warm hearted, generous, and full of good humour. He also always provided sage advice and what felt like unlimited support. 'Royski' was a gifted gynaecologist, a great friend and colleague with whom I worked for 30 years, always available for a chat and ready to offer support in difficult times. He was someone who knew how to enjoy life. He's gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and his three children.