Latest news with #AnthonyClarkson
ITV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Over 800 people across the South East are waiting for an organ donation from the NHS
820 people across the South East are waiting for an organ transplant, as the NHS announce record high waiting lists. New figures by NHS Blood and Transplant show 8,096 patients across the UK were on the active transplant waiting list as of 31 March 2025 – the highest number on record. A further 3,883 temporarily have been suspended because they are either currently unfit for transplant or temporarily unavailable, meaning almost 12,000 people are waiting for an organ. Across the region, there was a 9% decease in organ donors with 213 people donating after death compared to 234 the previous year. Now, the NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging potential donors to sign up to the register whilst they are still alive. Currently, even if a person carries an organ donor card, the family can decide if they want organs to be donated or not - with rates across the UK being 59%. Over 40% of all organ donations come from living donors, with 102 coming from the South East. Across the south east, only 243 transplants have come from donors, either living or from after death - with East Sussex having the lowest number, with 33 transplants from donors after death and 8 from living donors. In Berkshire, 88 people are on the waiting list; 79 transplants have come from donors. In Buckinghamshire, 103 people are on the waiting list; 62 transplants have come from donors. In East Sussex, 67 people are on the waiting list; 41 transplants have come from donors. In West Sussex 68 people are on the waiting list; 45 transplants have come from donors. In Hampshire, 201 people are on the waiting list; 107 transplants have come from donors. In Oxfordshire, 74 people are on the waiting list; 60 transplants have come from donors. In Surrey, 95 people are on the waiting list; 74 transplants have come from donors. Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, Anthony Clarkson said, "We are facing an incredibly concerning situation where more people than ever are waiting for transplants, but fewer donations are taking place. "Tragically, someone will die today waiting for a transplant and we urgently need more people to register their decision to donate and to have these vital conversations with their families. "Last year, 60% of people who donated after death were on the NHS Organ Donor Register, which made those conversations with families so much easier. "People are far more likely to support donation when they know it's what their relative wanted."
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Number of patients in UK waiting for lifesaving organ transplant at record high
The number of patients waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant in the UK has increased to a record high while there has been a sharp drop in donors, official figures show. More than 8,000 people, including almost 300 children, are on the transplant waiting list, according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). With nearly another 4,000 in need of an organ but temporarily off the list because they are too sick or unavailable for an operation, it means almost 12,000 people are living in limbo, waiting for the call that can mean the difference between life and death. In the past year, the NHS performed fewer transplants, and fewer people donated organs than the previous year. One senior official at NHSBT said the situation was 'incredibly concerning'. In total, 4,583 patients had a transplant in 2024/25, according to its report, down 2% on 4,651 in 2023/24. The fall in donors was even more dramatic. In total, 1,403 gave organs after dying in 2024/25, down 7% on 1,510 the year before. Anthony Clarkson, NHSBT's director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, said there was an urgent need for more Britons to save lives by registering their decision on the NHS organ donor register and telling their loved ones about their wishes. 'We are facing an incredibly concerning situation where more people than ever are waiting for transplants, but fewer donations are taking place. Tragically, someone will die today waiting for a transplant – we urgently need more people to register their decision to donate and to have these vital conversations with their families. 'Last year, 60% of people who donated after death were on the NHS organ donor register, which made those conversations with families so much easier. People are far more likely to support donation when they know it's what their relative wanted.' Consent rates from families asked to support donation when their loved one dies remain 'stubbornly low' at 59%, the 181-page NHSBT report said. Last year, 173 families overruled their relative's registered or expressed decision to donate. In a further 520 cases, families did not support donation where the law presumes consent – meaning their loved one had not registered to opt out but also had not expressed any decision. Under the opt-out system, donation can still only go ahead with the family's support, which is why it remains critical for Britons to have a conversation with and leave relatives certain of their wishes, NHSBT said. Fiona Loud, policy director of the charity Kidney Care UK, said too many people were dying needlessly while waiting for a transplant. She urged ministers to launch a national awareness campaign to boost the number of donations. 'Sadly, the transplant waiting list is now the longest it has ever been, and we need to act to ensure the number of people waiting for a transplant is reduced. Action is needed now on promotion and prevention to reduce the waiting list and help save lives in 2025 and in the future.'
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Flags to fly at Lincolnshire hospitals in honour of organ donors
Flags will be raised at two Lincolnshire hospitals to mark each time someone becomes an organ organ donation flags will fly at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, in recognition of those who have helped save the lives of flags have been bought with the support of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Each flag raised is a powerful symbol of hope, compassion and the lasting legacy of donors and their families." United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it had helped supported seven families who donated the organs of their loved ones in 2024 and meant that 21 people had been able to receive potentially life-saving transplants, it Gary Wilbourn, the trust's clinical lead for organ donation, said: "We hope it will signify an opportunity to reflect on the life-changing impact being an organ donor has on all involved."Dr Clarkson said: "These tributes not only acknowledge the incredible gift of organ donation but also help to raise vital awareness about the importance of sharing your decision with loved ones." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
