Increase in organ donors in Devon

But 91 people are still waiting.

More people than ever before across the UK donated their organs after their deaths last year, according to figures published today (Thursday 18th July)

In Devon, 23 people donated their organs after death. Nationally, there was a record 1,600 donors. 

However, fewer people died in circumstances where they were able to donate their organs. NHS Blood and Transplant says this makes it more important than ever that people make their wishes known.

34 people died in Devon over the last 5 years waiting for a transplant. 91 are still waiting. 

Organ donation is a relatively rare event in the UK, because although around half a million people die each year, only around 1% do so in circumstances which allow organs to be donated. 

From spring next year, the law around organ and tissue donation in England is changing to an "opt-out" system. All adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the courageous donors and their families across the country, who helped us to save so many lives last year.

“Organ donation is the only hope for many desperately ill people. We know many families feel a sense of pride and comfort from their decision to let their  final act to be saving lives through organ donation.

“No lifesaving transplant would be possible without the generosity of every donor and their families, who give their support and say ‘yes’ to organ donation.

“There are 91 people in Devon waiting for a transplant now. Their only hope for a new life is that a family in their time of grief will make the wonderful decision to agree to organ donation.

“With the law around organ donation changing in England from next spring, we urge everyone to find out about the choices available to them, make their decision and share it with their family.”

If you would like to help others after your death tell your family your want to be an organ donor and join the NHS Organ Donor Register.