Organ donor appeal as 4,000 await transplants
Health experts have appealed for more donors as the number of kidney transplants fell significantly last year, new figures show.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) figures show that there are 136 people in the North East currently waiting for a kidney transplant after a 32% fall in operations last year compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
The appeal for more donors came on World Kidney Day – today.
Almost 4,600 people nationally, including 98 children, are currently waiting for a kidney donation – a figure expected to rise as transplant care recovers from the impacts of the pandemic.
The number of "living" kidney donations - where a person donates one of their kidneys - has fallen by 60% with the number of deceased donor transplants was down 22%.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, says: "We know the pandemic is a very worrying time for kidney patients as thousands of people, including children, wait for a life-changing kidney transplant.
“We’re pleased that transplant activity is now recovering and we’re doing everything we can to enable as many transplants as possible to take place as quickly as possible. but, sadly, patients are facing a longer wait and more people need a kidney transplant.
He added: “It is more important than ever for people to share their organ donation decision with their family to help others after their death.”
For more information, or to register an organ donation decision, go to: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.