More people than ever are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant in the UK, as demand continues to exceed the number of donated organs available. The Public Health Agency is therefore asking people to take action by registering their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and discussing it with loved ones. While public support for organ donation remains high, new figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) reveal the stark reality that across the UK 8,096 patients, including 276 children, were on the active transplant waiting list as of 31 March 2025. In Northern Ireland, the

Today (Monday 18 September) marks the start of Organ Donation Week, a national celebration of organ and tissue donation and transplantation which saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year. Organ donation is a most precious gift and the selfless act of donors and their families is at the heart of Organ Donation Week. During Organ Donation Week, the Public Health Agency is urging people to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and talk to their families about organ donation, as around 7,000 people are actively waiting for a transplant across the UK, 155 of those