Menu
19/09/2023
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has made the call to mark Organ Donation Week, a national celebration of organ and tissue donation and transplantation which saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year.
In June this year, Northern Ireland changed to an organ donation opt-out system, which means people need to actively remove themselves from the organ donation register. However, despite this change, the PHA has said that it "remains very important" for people to talk about their organ donation decision with family, and to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
In Northern Ireland in 2022/23 there were 59 deceased donors who enabled 140 lifesaving transplants across the UK, and 68 living donors who gave the gift of life to a further 59 patients. In total, 155 patients in Northern Ireland received a deceased or living donor transplant, helping to give them the gift of life.
In the year to 31 August 2023 there have been 23 deceased donors who have enabled 61 transplants to take place.
54% of people in Northern Ireland have registered as an organ donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, however initiatives like Organ Donation Week are an important opportunity to raise more awareness.
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said: "Family conversations around organ donation are so important to ensure they know what you would want to happen. Even though the law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system, family members continue to be consulted before organ donation goes ahead. This means it is important to let your family know what you want as it can help them support their loves one’s decision.
"We also urge people to proactively confirm any decision to be an organ donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, as this provides families with further reassurance as to your donation decision."
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has made the call to mark Organ Donation Week, a national celebration of organ and tissue donation and transplantation which saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year.
In June this year, Northern Ireland changed to an organ donation opt-out system, which means people need to actively remove themselves from the organ donation register. However, despite this change, the PHA has said that it "remains very important" for people to talk about their organ donation decision with family, and to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
In Northern Ireland in 2022/23 there were 59 deceased donors who enabled 140 lifesaving transplants across the UK, and 68 living donors who gave the gift of life to a further 59 patients. In total, 155 patients in Northern Ireland received a deceased or living donor transplant, helping to give them the gift of life.
In the year to 31 August 2023 there have been 23 deceased donors who have enabled 61 transplants to take place.
54% of people in Northern Ireland have registered as an organ donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, however initiatives like Organ Donation Week are an important opportunity to raise more awareness.
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said: "Family conversations around organ donation are so important to ensure they know what you would want to happen. Even though the law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system, family members continue to be consulted before organ donation goes ahead. This means it is important to let your family know what you want as it can help them support their loves one’s decision.
"We also urge people to proactively confirm any decision to be an organ donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, as this provides families with further reassurance as to your donation decision."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
09 July 2015
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
29 March 2023
Over 1m Register For Organ Donations
More than one million people in Northern Ireland have registered their decision to be considered a potential organ donor after death, according to the latest figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Over 1m Register For Organ Donations
More than one million people in Northern Ireland have registered their decision to be considered a potential organ donor after death, according to the latest figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA).
12 February 2014
Fifteen NI People Die Annually Waiting For A Transplant
Around 200 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list and unfortunately around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ. Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, just 31% of the population here are on the organ donor register.
Fifteen NI People Die Annually Waiting For A Transplant
Around 200 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list and unfortunately around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ. Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, just 31% of the population here are on the organ donor register.
06 October 2004
Local people urged to join Organ Donor Register
People from across Northern Ireland are being asked to respond to a national challenge to add one million more ‘lifesavers’ to the NHS Organ Donor Register. The call comes at the start of an advertising campaign to mark the register’s 10th anniversary with the message ‘Life’s Amazing, Pass It On’.
Local people urged to join Organ Donor Register
People from across Northern Ireland are being asked to respond to a national challenge to add one million more ‘lifesavers’ to the NHS Organ Donor Register. The call comes at the start of an advertising campaign to mark the register’s 10th anniversary with the message ‘Life’s Amazing, Pass It On’.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
