NKF Letters

Letter from Sir Gordon Duff, Department of Health to Timothy Statham OBE, NKF Chief Executive

9 June 2010

Dear Mr Statham,

I understand that NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) contacted you in April about a processing error that led to the recording of incorrect data on the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR). NHSBT’s investigations have established that the incorrect recording relates to people who joined the ODR through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and who indicated a preference to donate specific organs.

The Secretary of State for Health has asked me to conduct an independent review of this serious untoward event, and I enclose the terms of reference of the review. Clearly a central part of the task is to establish what went wrong and why, and what more, if anything, needs to be done to prevent any recurrence. I will also consider carefully how NHSBT responded once the error had been discovered, including their communication with affected families, other registrants and wider stakeholders. Finally I will consider whether any recommendations can be made so that the ODR will reflect accurately the wishes of registrants and ensure that public confidence in the system is maintained.

I am very determined that everyone who wishes to do so has the chance to bring to my attention any information, views, or personal experiences relevant to the terms of reference. Please email me at odrreview@dh.gsi.gov.uk. If you would prefer to speak to me by telephone please leave your telephone number with Patrick Irwin at the Department of Health. Patrick is providing me with administrative support. He can also be contacted at odrreview@dh.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on 02079724250. In the time available to me I will be able to conduct only a limited number of face-to-face meetings but if that is your preference do please let Patrick know and he will try to make the necessary arrangements.

With kind regards,

by email

Sir Gordon Duff

TERMS OF REFERENCE

To report to the Secretary of State for Health by 31 July 2010 (this date may be subject to review as the work progresses) on the mis-recording of peoples’ wishes when joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.

The review will consider:

• how, when and why the error occurred and whether it could reasonably have been prevented;
• how it took ten years for the error to be discovered;
• how it came to light, and how it was handled once it had been identified, including communication with donor families and those on the Register;
• how to ensure it has been rectified and does not happen again; and
• recommendations to ensure the Register reflects the wishes of those registered and that confidence in the system is maintained.

The report will be published and shared with the Devolved Administrations.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for the views expressed by others in these letters pages.

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Registered Office:- The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW, Tel: (01909) 544999, Fax: (01909) 481723, Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09, E-mail:  NKF on  Fundraising on  Follow us on 

This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster