Organ transplant waiting list grows despite more donors

  • Wales
A new soft opt-out organ donation system will come into force in Wales from 1st December 2015. Credit: PA

A report published today has shown that despite the number of people who donated their organs in Wales increasing over the last year, so has the waiting list for transplants.

The NHS report also shows the rate of consent for organ donation in Wales has fallen over the last year, compared to the previous year. It shows that:

  • The consent rate for 2014 - 15 was 48.5%, compared to 53.6% in the year 2013 - 14.

  • There were 73 deceased organ donors in Wales in 2014 - 15, while there were only 60 in the year 2013 - 14, however...

  • There was an overall fall in the number of transplants carried out, with 173 over the last year compared to 209 in 2013-14.

The numbers involved in organ donation in Wales are small, which means that modest fluctuations appear to show considerable changes compared to previous years.

The reasons why organ donation numbers fluctuate depend on a number of factors, such as the referral of potential donors and whether families are approached about organ donation.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford says the recent figures show Wales must remain focused about increasing the donation rate so more people can receive life saving transplants.

The Health Minister says discussion about organ donation will help tackle the growing waiting list.

The Welsh Government will introduce a new soft opt-out organ donation system that replaces current legislation on 1st December 2015.

Click here for more information on changes to organ donation.