30/04/2014

NI Organ Donors Reach All-Time High

The number of organ donors registered in Northern Ireland has reached an all time high at just over 582,000 people.

The figure has been revealed following the release of the most recent quarterly statistics by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

The number of people on the organ donor register increased from 548,291 on 31 March 2013 (30%) to 582,623 on 31 March 2014 (32%).

The report also showed a reduction in the number of people actively waiting for a transplant; 190 at 31 March 2013 compared to to 161 in 2013/14. This is the lowest number recorded in a financial year.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "I believe that this continued progress confirms that the approach that I have taken to determine whether statutory opt-out legislation for Northern Ireland is needed is the right one.

"Raising public awareness about the need to consider donating our organs, combined with surveying public opinion on the role of statutory opt out to establish their views on this important matter, will allow us to make the right decisions.

"Whilst the progress made is to be applauded, we should not be complacent, as there are still around 160 people waiting on a transplant. I would therefore like to encourage everyone who has not already done so to join the organ donor register and to discuss their wishes with their family and friends."

(IT)

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