Queen’s Hospital has had one of the highest number of patients donate their organs following their death, helping to save the lives of others.

Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant yesterday (Monday 9 July) in the annual Transplant Activity Report, show that in 2017/18, 17 people cared for at Queen’s Hospital donated their organs after they died, among the highest number of organ donors in the country.

Our Chief Executive, Matthew Hopkins, who himself was the recipient of a donor kidney last year, said: “I am delighted that our hospital was one of the top in the country for the number of organ donors over the last year.

“I am of course hugely supportive of organ donation and I feel immensely grateful to my donor and their family for my kidney. I know from my own experience that donating organs after your death saves lives; it gives people a second chance, can add years to life and improves quality of life. It’s the ultimate gift and one for which I will always be grateful.”

The report shows growing support for organ donation across the country, with a record number of organ donors over the last year. Across the country, 1,574 people saved lives through donating their organs.

However, there is still a need for more donors. Around three people a day die waiting for an organ. In many cases people who do want to donate have not told their families, so their organs are not used to save lives.

Of the around 500,000 people who die every year in the UK, only around one per cent of those die in circumstances where they can donate their organs. Therefore, every potential donor is precious.

Matthew added: “If you support organ donation, please have that conversation with your family and make sure they know your wishes after you die.

“Letting your loved ones know that you want to donate your organs and save lives will make it much easier when the time comes in hospital. And they’ll appreciate not having to make the decision on your behalf.”

Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Queen’s Hospital and all the brave and generous families who agreed to donate their loves one’s organs for lifesaving transplants.

“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 save lives through organ donation. We want more people to have that opportunity to save lives.”

You can join the organ donation register here.