PHA celebrates rise in organ donor figures

Figures released today (Thursday 23 June) show there are now over 495,000 people in Northern Ireland signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register. The Public Health Agency (PHA) welcomes this new total, which now represents 28% of the population.

Across the UK, the Organ Donor Register has reached a record 18 million, with all areas showing an increase in people signing up.

However, with almost 300 people in Northern Ireland currently waiting for a transplant and not enough organs available, the PHA is urging more people to join the Organ Donor Register.

Health Minister, Edwin Poots, said: "I am pleased to learn that there are now 18 million registrants on the UK organ donor register, including 495,000 Northern Ireland residents.

"One of the recommendations of the Organ Donation Taskforce report was to increase donor rates by 50% by 2013. In Northern Ireland, we have already achieved this, as last year there were 40 donors, which almost doubles the number of donors in 2007/2008 when the Taskforce made its recommendations. This is a remarkable achievement, although more still has to be done, as 15 local people die each year while waiting for an organ.

 "I would like to encourage anyone who has not yet signed the register to do so today; it is one of the most generous things a human being can do to help others. I would also urge everyone to discuss their wishes with their family and friends."

 Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, and Chair of the Organ Donation Taskforce Implementation Group said: “We are delighted to see an increase in Northern Ireland registrations. This is the result of the efforts of many individuals and organisations that support organ donation and it is a fantastic achievement.

 “We have recently taken many new opportunities to raise the profile of organ donation, through public events, working with partner organisations and the forthcoming Transplant Games, which take place in Belfast between 4–7 August. However, people are still dying while waiting for organs so we are encouraging those who have not already done so to sign up today and, most importantly, to let their family and friends know about their wishes.”

If anyone would like to register as an organ donor, they should contact
0300 123 23 23, log on to: www.organdonation.nhs.uk  or text SAVE to 84118