04/08/2025
PHA Urges People To Register Organ Donation Decisions
A new report from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has revealed that a record number of people across the UK are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
As of 31 March 2025, a total of 8,096 patients, including 276 children, were on the active waiting list in the UK, with 163 of these people in Northern Ireland. The local figure is up from 151 at the same time last year, despite 122 organ transplants proceeding during 2024/25.
In Northern Ireland, there were 51 consented donors last year, with 44 proceeding, a drop from 64 the previous year. However, the region has one of the highest numbers of donors per million population(pmp) at 23pmp and the highest percentage of registrations to the NHS Organ Donor Register at 58% among UK regions.
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, is urging people to take action.
"We need more people to register their decision to donate and to have these vital conversations with their families," he said. "Last year in Northern Ireland, 83% of people who donated after death had made their decision known to loved ones. Families are far more likely to support donation when they know it's what their relative wanted."
The story of local woman Louise Kielty, who received a life-saving liver transplant in July 2024, highlights the impact of donation.
"I received a split liver, which means the liver was able to be divided and transplanted to both me and another recipient... a one-year-old baby boy," she said. "That's two lives saved with one organ donation. My life is now foreseeable beyond the possible five years that consultants told me I may only have had without transplant."
Organ donation in Northern Ireland changed to an 'opt-out' system, known as 'Dáithí's Law', in June 2023. Campaigner for the law change, Máirtín Mac Gabhann, whose son the law was named after, welcomed its contribution, noting that it helped support almost a quarter of last year's donations.
He said: "We are incredibly proud that Dáithí's Law is already playing a role in saving lives... The bravery and compassion [of donors] by thinking of others in their darkest hour makes them true heroes."
As of 31 March 2025, a total of 8,096 patients, including 276 children, were on the active waiting list in the UK, with 163 of these people in Northern Ireland. The local figure is up from 151 at the same time last year, despite 122 organ transplants proceeding during 2024/25.
In Northern Ireland, there were 51 consented donors last year, with 44 proceeding, a drop from 64 the previous year. However, the region has one of the highest numbers of donors per million population(pmp) at 23pmp and the highest percentage of registrations to the NHS Organ Donor Register at 58% among UK regions.
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, is urging people to take action.
"We need more people to register their decision to donate and to have these vital conversations with their families," he said. "Last year in Northern Ireland, 83% of people who donated after death had made their decision known to loved ones. Families are far more likely to support donation when they know it's what their relative wanted."
The story of local woman Louise Kielty, who received a life-saving liver transplant in July 2024, highlights the impact of donation.
"I received a split liver, which means the liver was able to be divided and transplanted to both me and another recipient... a one-year-old baby boy," she said. "That's two lives saved with one organ donation. My life is now foreseeable beyond the possible five years that consultants told me I may only have had without transplant."
Organ donation in Northern Ireland changed to an 'opt-out' system, known as 'Dáithí's Law', in June 2023. Campaigner for the law change, Máirtín Mac Gabhann, whose son the law was named after, welcomed its contribution, noting that it helped support almost a quarter of last year's donations.
He said: "We are incredibly proud that Dáithí's Law is already playing a role in saving lives... The bravery and compassion [of donors] by thinking of others in their darkest hour makes them true heroes."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2013
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
25 July 2001
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
11 August 2025
Team NI To Compete In World Transplant Games In Germany
The Public Health Agency is wishing Team NI the very best of luck as a team of 27 athletes heads to Germany for the 25th World Transplant Games. Often referred to as a "celebration of life," the Games will be held in Dresden from 17-24 August 2025 to promote organ donation and encourage more people to register and support donation.
Team NI To Compete In World Transplant Games In Germany
The Public Health Agency is wishing Team NI the very best of luck as a team of 27 athletes heads to Germany for the 25th World Transplant Games. Often referred to as a "celebration of life," the Games will be held in Dresden from 17-24 August 2025 to promote organ donation and encourage more people to register and support donation.
02 July 2025
NI Transplant Games Team Heads To World Games
The Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team is preparing to make history at the 25th World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, from Saturday, 17 August to Saturday, 24 August 2025. This year marks a significant milestone as Northern Ireland will compete for the first time as a standalone member country of the World Transplant Games Federation.
NI Transplant Games Team Heads To World Games
The Northern Ireland Transplant Games Team is preparing to make history at the 25th World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, from Saturday, 17 August to Saturday, 24 August 2025. This year marks a significant milestone as Northern Ireland will compete for the first time as a standalone member country of the World Transplant Games Federation.
19 September 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.