NKF Campaigns Zone:
Press & Media

Best efforts on organ donation may not be enough — says leading MP

Embargo: Immediate

Commenting on the news that the number of people waiting for an organ transplant has increased despite increases in the number of organs being transplanted, Dr Evan Harris MP, Chair of the All Party Kidney Group, said:

“While we all welcome overall increases in transplants being done, the desperate need for such organs is higher than ever and it is very disappointing that the main source of organ donation - from patients who have died and are on heart-lung machines - has dropped by 10% since 2001/02 despite recent new legislation.

“Even more alarming is that only 60% of relatives give consent to life-saving organ donation despite more than 80% of their loved ones wanting to donate.

“The UK’s transplantation rates are woefully low compared to other countries who have different systems and laws. It seems that the best efforts of all involved in the transplant services are still not sufficient - under our current system - to provide the organs that patients want and that donors are willing to provide. Unless there are bigger increases soon, the Government will have to review our laws again.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, is Co-chair of All Party Parliamentary Kidney Group.
2. The All Party Parliamentary Kidney Group developed a transplant manifesto in 2006, available here: http://www.kidney.org.uk/minutes/APPKG-transplant-document.pdf.
3. Dr Harris is also a member of the BMA medical ethics committee who, like the Liberal Democrats, want to see a system of presumed consent with opt-out for organ donation adopted in the UK.