Organs removed without family consent after data blunder

Around 800,000 people from across Britain had their wishes about the use of their organs recorded wrongly on the national organ database because of a computer error.

Forty-five of these individuals have since died. NHS Blood and Transplant, the body which runs the organ donation register, said yesterday it is about to contact some 20 families who allowed organs to be taken from their loved ones after being misinformed about what consent had previously been given.

A review will be carried out by Professor Sir Gordon Duff of Sheffield University to find out what happened and prevent it happening again.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said he "deeply regretted" the distress caused. "I want to assure the millions of people on the organ donor register they can have full confidence that only their accurate information will be discussed with their families, and that their wishes will be respected," Mr Burnham said.

"This has clearly not happened in a small number of cases in the past, and I deeply regret the distress caused to the families.

"In all cases, donation was discussed with family members before decisions were made. It is important that those who wish to donate tell their families of their wishes."

He added: "I have asked NHS Blood and Transplant to take immediate steps to identify and contact all affected families. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible."