Local MP backs Government commitment to implement recommendations of the Organ Donation taskforce

21 January 2008

The Government last announced it would back the recommendations of the Organ Donation Taskforce, which could see a 50 per cent increase in organ donation in the UK within five years - resulting in an additional 1,200 transplants a year and saving thousands of lives.

The Government established the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2006. The Taskforce was asked to identify barriers to organ donation, explore current issues that might have a bearing on donation rates, and recommend action to be taken to increase organ donation. The taskforce have looked at international and national evidence of success.

Mr Banks said “More than 1,000 people die every year in the UK whilst waiting for a transplant and many more die before they even get on to the transplant list. It is vital that we explore ways to improve this situation.”

“The report proposes a radical shift from existing arrangements, recommending the recruitment of around 100 extra donor transplant coordinators to work with hospitals and guide and support bereaved families through the donation process. Together with other measures to improve donor coordination services this could result in a 50% increase in the consent rate for donation.”

“Too many people are dying because donation too often is not made possible in practice. The UK has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in Europe and it was in recognition of this that the taskforce was created.”

“I am delighted that the Government has accepted all of the recommendations. While these will be challenging to deliver, the rewards are significant.

“This is a great opportunity to save more lives every year. Many of us will know someone who is awaiting a transplant and it is an incredibly demanding and worrying time. We have an opportunity to alleviate some of that worry and offer a partial solution – we cannot ignore that.