Menu
17/07/2007
Everyone 'should be treated as organ donors'
Everyone in the UK should be regarded as a potential organ donor, unless they specifically request to opt out, according to Britain's most senior medical official.
Sir Liam Donaldson, England's chief medical officer, suggested that a new scheme was needed in order to tackle the shortage of organs needed for transplants.
A new system would see people who want to opt out of donating their organs having to register, instead of the current system, which works the other way around.
A similar idea was rejected by MPs in 2004 when they voted on the Human Tissues Act.
Sir Liam said that efforts to encourage people to either sign the NHS Organ Donor Register had failed, although, according to surveys, 70% of people were willing to donate their organs after death.
Waiting lists for organ transplants have reached an all-time high, according to figures released earlier this year.
The UK Transplant figures showed that 7,234 people were registered as waiting for a transplant on March 31 - an increase of 8% from the previous year.
However, the figures also showed that the number of people receiving transplant operations had risen by 10% from the previous year, rising to 3,074, the highest number on record.
Transplant campaigners have welcomed Sir Liam’s recommendations, although Patient Concern said that organ donation "was a generous gift, not an obligation".
(KMcA/JM)
Sir Liam Donaldson, England's chief medical officer, suggested that a new scheme was needed in order to tackle the shortage of organs needed for transplants.
A new system would see people who want to opt out of donating their organs having to register, instead of the current system, which works the other way around.
A similar idea was rejected by MPs in 2004 when they voted on the Human Tissues Act.
Sir Liam said that efforts to encourage people to either sign the NHS Organ Donor Register had failed, although, according to surveys, 70% of people were willing to donate their organs after death.
Waiting lists for organ transplants have reached an all-time high, according to figures released earlier this year.
The UK Transplant figures showed that 7,234 people were registered as waiting for a transplant on March 31 - an increase of 8% from the previous year.
However, the figures also showed that the number of people receiving transplant operations had risen by 10% from the previous year, rising to 3,074, the highest number on record.
Transplant campaigners have welcomed Sir Liam’s recommendations, although Patient Concern said that organ donation "was a generous gift, not an obligation".
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2012
Record-Breaking Year For Organ Transplants
In a record-breaking year, 3,960 transplants were carried out in the UK in 2011/12, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today. The Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2012 shows the seventh year of growth in the number of transplants.
Record-Breaking Year For Organ Transplants
In a record-breaking year, 3,960 transplants were carried out in the UK in 2011/12, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today. The Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2012 shows the seventh year of growth in the number of transplants.
31 July 2009
Private Organ Transplants To Be Banned
The government is set to ban private transplants of organs from dead donors in the UK. The announcement follows the publication of a report into organ transplants for NHS patients and non-UK residents by Elisabeth Buggins, former Chair of the Organ Donation Taskforce.
Private Organ Transplants To Be Banned
The government is set to ban private transplants of organs from dead donors in the UK. The announcement follows the publication of a report into organ transplants for NHS patients and non-UK residents by Elisabeth Buggins, former Chair of the Organ Donation Taskforce.
11 April 2013
50% Rise In Organ Donation Since 2008
There has been a 50% rise in organ donation since 2008. In 2012 some 3,100 transplants were carried out after more than 1,200 people in the UK donated their organs.
50% Rise In Organ Donation Since 2008
There has been a 50% rise in organ donation since 2008. In 2012 some 3,100 transplants were carried out after more than 1,200 people in the UK donated their organs.
19 October 2010
Reassurances Offered To Organ Donors
A detailed review into how and why errors were made in recording the donation wishes of new would-be organ donors has been published today.
Reassurances Offered To Organ Donors
A detailed review into how and why errors were made in recording the donation wishes of new would-be organ donors has been published today.
12 October 2004
Awareness campaign leads to rise in transplant ops
Last year saw a 3% increase in the number of transplant operations that took place in the UK in 2002, according to the health department.
Awareness campaign leads to rise in transplant ops
Last year saw a 3% increase in the number of transplant operations that took place in the UK in 2002, according to the health department.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
