A FIVE per cent increase has been reported in the number of patients whose lives were saved or improved through an organ transplant in the UK.
The annual Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Activity Report shows that 4,532 patients received donated organs from 2,386 donors – living and deceased – in the UK last year
In the Midlands, more than 700 patients including 398 in the West Midlands received a living or deceased transplant, compared to more than 600 in 2021/22 of 372 were in the West Midlands.
There are currently more than 1,200 people on the active transplant waiting list in the Midlands with 701 in the West Midlands.
Clinicians warn opportunities for transplant are still being missed due to families declining to support donation.
People in the Midlands are being urged to confirm their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, families are more likely to support donation when they already know it was what their relative wanted.
Last year there were 160 West Midlands organ donors– living and deceased – a fall of two compared to the year before.
Anthony Clarkson, director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We urge everyone who supports organ donation to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It is a simple action which only takes two minutes; but can ultimately save lives.”
“We know most people support organ donation in principle, and we have seen a steady increase in the number of people confirming their support for organ donation via the NHS Organ Donor Register, including more than for million in the Midlands.
“However, we still need families to support their loved one’s decision and agree to donation when approached, which we know is most likely when they know that’s what they wanted.
“With only one per cent of people dying in circumstances where organ donation is possible, every donor is precious and has the potential to save up to nine lives.”
Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app for more.