Facts and figures over donated UK organs

From: Lisa Burnapp, living donor co-ordinator, NHS Blood and Transplant, Stoke Gifford, Bristol.

I am writing to correct an inaccuracy which first appeared in a press release from a third party, and which we understand was published in good faith in your article headlined “Major variations revealed in UK organ donations” (Yorkshire Post, October 4). The number of living donors has not been steadily falling. Living donors currently account for more than half the total number of organ donors, and in 2010/11 there were 1,045 living donors.

Activity has trebled during the preceding 10 years. More than one in three of all transplants are now as a result of living donors. In addition, heart and lung transplants depend upon the generosity of deceased donors, not living donors as stated in the article.

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NHS Blood and Transplant has delivered significant improvements in transplant numbers across the UK with the support of a wide range of healthcare professionals and others in the NHS, who all play a vital role in ensuring that people’s wishes to donate are honoured and opportunities to save lives through transplantation are not missed.

However, the need for donated organs remains greater than the number of donors which is why we need more people to sign up and join the 18.3 million people already on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

You can register to join the register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk, or by calling 0300 123 23 23.