Increase in the number of organ donors in Wales but more people need transplants

The number of people who donated their organs in Wales has increased but there has also been a rise in the number waiting for an organ transplant, a new report published today reveals.

The NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT) Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report for 2014 also shows the rate of consent in Wales fell slightly compared to the previous year.

The overall organ donation consent rate was 48.5% compared to 53.6% in the previous year. In 2014-15, there were 73 deceased organ donors from Wales, compared to 60 the previous year, however there was an overall fall in the number of transplants carried out – 173 compared to 209 in 2013-14.

The numbers involved in organ donation in Wales are small, which means that modest fluctuations appear to show considerable changes compared to previous years. The reasons why organ donation numbers fluctuate depend on a number of factors, such as the referral of potential donors and whether families are approached about organ donation.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“Many people in Wales have had discussions with their families about their organ donation wishes and this is good news. However, as recent figures show, we must remain focused about increasing the donation rate so more people can receive life saving transplants.

“Nine out of 10 people in Wales support organ donation, but only only three out of 10 people in Wales have put their names on the Organ Donor Register.

“In the last year, 12 people in Wales died while waiting for a transplant. I want to encourage everyone in Wales to talk about organ donation so we can ensure that fewer people die while waiting for an organ.

”I want to encourage a culture change in Wales, so that talking about organ donation is normal and that families discuss donation and are confident they know their loved ones’ wishes.

“We will be changing the organ donation law on December 1 and moving to an opt-out system for consent – our campaign to encourage everyone to talk to their families will help to bring about this change.”