Number of organ donors plummets

Jan 29 2010 by Helen Rae, The Journal

“This is a big step forward and will save many lives. Often people die while waiting for an organ and this will help prevent this in many cases.”

Reasons for the decrease in organs, particularly livers, has been put down to road safety advances and early detection of conditions such as high blood pressure.

Prof James Neuberger, associate medical director, Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The number of liver transplants carried out remains stable.

“But due to much welcomed advances in road safety and prevention of catastrophic strokes through early detection and treatment of high blood pressure, the number of organs available for transplantation has reduced.

“If more people were willing to make their organs available for transplantation after their death, many more lives could be saved. I strongly urge everyone to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

Alan Guerin, 68, from Billingham, Teesside, had a liver transplant in 2000 and knows first-hand the importance of reducing organ donor waiting lists.

The grandfather-of-four, who is married to Celeste, 66, said: “I think we're seeing fantastic developments. If this new surgery is going to reduce waiting lists and save lives, and let more people have transplants then yes, it's brilliant. Some people have had to wait for years and years in the past.”

A unique programme has been set up by NHS Blood and Transplant to ensure hospitals throughout the country have organ donation “champions”.

These people have been appointed to key roles in hospitals to implement recommendations made by the Organ Donation Taskforce and help increase donation rates by 50% over a five-year period.

All organs are screened to make sure the hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency (Aids-producing) viruses aren’t present.

If you’ve not signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, you can do so by calling the NHS Organ Donor Line on 0845 606 0400 or by visiting www.uktransplant.org.uk