Families continue save and improve lives through deceased organ donation at St George’s Hospital
New figures out today reveal that there were 34 patients who donated their organs after death at St George’s Hospital last year, helping save or improve the lives of 4,532 people desperately in need of a transplant across the UK.
NHS Blood and Transplant and St George’s Hospital have released the figures to mark the publication of the annual Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report showing that St George’s Hospital was one of the top 10 donor hospitals in the UK last year.
The annual report shows deceased organ donation in the UK increased by 2% last year thanks to the continuing recovery of organ donation and transplant activity following the Covid-19 pandemic. 1,429 people in total donated their organs after death last year.
Despite this, the number of people being listed for a transplant has increased, due to most being suspended during the height of the pandemic and, subsequently, others needing a transplant being added to the list. There are more than 7,000 people on the active waiting list and a further 3,822 temporarily suspended.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, at NHS Blood and Transplant, says:
““Over 50,000 people are alive in the UK today thanks to the life-saving gift of organ donation. 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.
“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.
“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.”
Find out more and register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.
Notes to editors
- For additional information please contact HOSPITAL PRESS CONTACT INFORMATION or the NHS Blood and Transplant press office on 01923 367600 or pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk
- To find out more about organ donation, the law change, or to opt in or out, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call the dedicated advice line on 0300 303 2094
- NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England. It is also the organ donor organisation for the whole of the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
