Latest annual figures published last week (12 July) by NHS Blood and Transplant show that last year (2022/23), there was a 5% increase 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 (2022/23). A five per cent increase on figures in 2021/22 (1).
In London, 783 patients received a living or deceased transplant, compared to 818 people in 2021/22. There are currently over 7,000 people on the active transplant waiting list in the UK, including 1,396 patients from London (2).
Clinicians warn that opportunities for transplant are still being missed due to families declining to support donation. People in London 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. 9 out of 10 families honour their family member when the donor had confirmed their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Last year (2022/23) there were 340 organ donors in London – living and deceased – with 304 donors the year before (3).
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
“Over 50,000 people are alive in the UK today thanks to the life-saving gift of organ donation, and 783 people in London had a transplant last year. But this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors and their families who have given their support for donation at what is often the most difficult of times.
“We know that 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 2.8million people in London (4).
“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.
“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.”
