Thousands of lifesaving transplants not going ahead as grieving relatives object

11 July 2023 , 23:00

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Some 1,130 families declined to give support for organ donation last year (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Thousands of lifesaving transplants are not going ahead because of objections from grieving relatives.

Last year, around 3,400 transplants were blocked by families as the consent rate dropped from 66 per cent to 62 per cent.

Despite the Mirror’s campaign to have the law in England changed to “deemed consent”, relatives can still overrule that and veto organ donation.

Some 1,130 families declined to give support for organ donation last year. In only 349 cases was this because their loved one had expressed a desire not to donate before their death.

Last year, 439 patients died waiting for a transplant. A further 732 were removed from the waiting list because they were now too sick to undergo the operation.

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NHS Blood and Transplant said families vetoing organ donation meant up to 3,390 missed opportunities for transplant. It is calling for a national conversation so we discuss our wishes with loved ones should the worst happen.

Director Anthony Clarkson said: “Over 50,000 people are alive in the UK today thanks to organ donation.

“But this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors and their families who have given their support for donation at what is often the most difficult of times.

"We know most people support organ donation in principle. However, we still need families to support their loved one’s decision and agree to donation.

“With only one per cent of people dying in circumstances where organ donation is possible, every donor is precious and has the potential to save up to nine lives.

“We urge everyone who supports organ donation to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It takes two minutes but can ultimately save lives.”

The NHSBT annual report shows 1,429 people donated their organs after their death. There was a five per cent increase in the number of patients who received a transplant in 2022/23, including a 20 per cent increase in heart donations.

Despite this, there are currently over 7,000 people on the active transplant waiting list. A further 3,822 are temporarily suspended.

Martin Bagot