Organ donation week: 26th – 2nd October 2022
Most heart transplants are for people with cardiomyopathy. Although many people with cardiomyopathy have their condition and symptoms controlled with medication, for some people in advanced heart failure, a heart transplant can be their best option of controlling their condition. From 1st April to 11th September 2022, 97 heart transplants took place which is up 26% from the previous year. There are currently 292 people on the active heart transplant list (as of 15/09).
The law around organ donation
Following the introduction of Max and Kiera’s Law in May 2021, the law around organ donation has changed, making all adults potential organ donors unless they opt out. There is a real shortage of organ donors in the UK, with only one in three people registered as donors. Only with a significant increase in the number of people on the organ donor register can we increase the number of heart transplants, giving more people with advanced heart failure a new chance at life. The change in law was a positive first step that presents an opportunity to have much-needed conversations about individual wishes and helps create a culture where organ donation is the norm.
If you’re fit and healthy, then donating your organs is likely to be the last thing on your mind – but it’s a vital decision you can make now that could save lives in the future.
The Organ Donor Register
This week is Organ Donation Week and NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Adding your name and decision to the NHS Organ Donor Register is the best way to record your decision. Your family will be expected to support what you have decided, so you should also tell them what you want.
Add your name and decision to the NHS Organ Donor Register: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
Current organ donation statistics can be found here*