Organ Donation and TransplantationOrgan Donation and Transplantation

Transplantation - Current UK Status

• Three people die every day across the UK due to a shortage of organs

• 10,000 people in the UK are in need of a transplant• 20 million people have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register• Fewer than 5,000 people die in circumstances where they can

become organ donors• Four out of ten families approached about organ donation refused

to donate• Families are more likely to agree if donation wishes are known• One donor can help save or transform nine lives

Transplantation - Current UK Status

• BAME groups are still under-represented on the ODR - 4% compared to 11% population

• Patients from a BAME background are over-represented on the kidney and liver transplant waiting lists (30%).

• Waiting times to kidney transplant are longer for BAME than white patients

• Kidney allocation factors include blood and tissue type matching

• Only 5% of deceased donors are from BAME communities

• Consent rate remains much lower

UK Number of Donors, Transplants and Waiting List Patients

• Life saving surgery for those in end-stage heart, kidney, lung and liver failure

• Also improves and the quality of life for others e.g. renal patients (kidney failure)

• Research confirms that families find it some comfort following a bereavement, knowing someone has benefited from the donation. ‘Something good has come out of something bad’

Benefits

HeartA heart transplant can return a person to near normal life

LungsSingle and double lung transplants,

LiverA donated liver can be split and save the lives of a child and an adult

KidneysFrom each organ donor, two people can be free from dialysis

Pancreas/Islet CellCan dramatically improve or cure diabetes

Intestine/Small bowelFor children with malabsorption orcongenital defects

Saphenous & Femoral VeinsTo replace blocked arteries in heart bypass surgery; also used for limb saving reconstructive surgeries

SkinLife-saving temporary skin replacement for severely burned patients; also used for trauma reconstruction

Tendons for knees, ankle and shoulder repair and surgery

Long Bones & Connective TissueLong bones for whole or partial replacement to repair skeletal defects caused by cancer, degenerative diseases, trauma or birth defects

Heart ValvesTo replace defective or diseased valves

CorneasTo restore or improve sight

Becoming an Organ Donor

• Organs are only removed for transplantation after a person has died

• Death is confirmed by a consultant who is independent of the transplant team

• Most organ donors die as a result of a brain haemorrhage, severe head injury or stroke and are on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit or emergency department

• The doctors looking after the patient will make every possible effort to save the patient’s life

• Potential donor family is asked about donation and their consent sought once death is confirmed

Other Myths & Misconceptions

• Is ill health/age a barrier to organ and tissue donation?

• If you are unable to donate blood can you donate organs?

• Is it against my religion/culture?

• Will my family be able to view my body after the donation operation?

• Will it delay the funeral?

• Will my body be treated with respect and dignity?

Discuss your Wishes!

• It is very important that anyone wishing to donate their organs talks to their family and friends

• This will allow the people close to them to make a decision at a time when they are trying to deal with their loss

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

Any Questions?