Record rise in organ transplants

A record number of organs were transplanted by the NHS last year, Channel 4 News has learned.

The rise is credited to new specialist nurses who counsel people before they decide to sign up to the donor’s register. But the health authority responsible for the register says it’s still not enough.

Research commissioned by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) showed that 3,740 organs were transplanted last year, 31 than the year before.

The rise is credited to specialist nurses who talk to potential donors before they sign up.

But despite almost 18 million people having signed up to the NHS Donors Register, there are still 7,500 patients waiting for a new organ, the health authority said, as it prepared to launch National Transplant Week.

And three people in need of an organ are dying every day, according to NHS statistics.

Sally Johnson, Director for Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHSBT, said: “We all know how frustrating it is to wait for something we want – be it a bus, exam results or a delivery at home – but our lives don’t depend on it. Imagine how it feels to be one of those waiting on average three years for a life saving organ transplant.

“This National Transplant Week we are asking everyone to do their bit to reduce the wait for others and join the NHS Organ Donor Register, then share their wishes with their family and friends so that more lives can be saved. It only takes two minutes – what are you waiting for?”

Donors can register online at organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.