Doctors successfully transplant kidneys infected with Hepatitis C

Lorraine Carpenter is one of the two recipients. Credit: Cardiff and Vale Health Board

Surgeons at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff have successfully transplanted kidneys from donors infected with Hepatitis C.

The procedure, thought to be a UK first, sees the patient getting 12 weeks of treatment using antiviral tablets after surgery.

Doctors say it means many more organs will be available for those on waiting lists.

Lorraine Carpenter is one of the recipients. She said she "jumped at the chance" when she was offered a kidney.

"Before having a kidney transplant I was dialysing every night for about seven months.

"When the team asked me if I would consider a kidney with Hepatitis C, I didn’t hesitate: I jumped at the chance. They explained everything to me so clearly that I felt as though I had nothing to lose and wasn’t at all frightened."

The availability of antiviral treatment has allowed those living with Hepatitis C to become organ donors Credit: PA Images

The virus is treated using direct acting antiviral tablets which have been available on the NHS in Wales since 2014.

With an estimated 12,000 people affected in Wales, experts say those living with Hepatitis C allowing them to now become organ donors whereas they would not have been previously considered.