An analysis of the number and type of organ donations has revealed significant variations across the UK.
Wales has consistently outperformed the rest of the UK, both in terms of the percentage of people on the organ donor register and donation rates, which have been higher than the UK average for most of the last 20 years. England only managed a higher than average organ donation rate in three of the last 20 years. The research also showed that Northern Ireland outperformed England and Scotland. Betty McBride, Director of Policy and Communications at the British Heart Foundation, said: “For now, a heart transplant is the only effective treatment available for end stage heart failure patients but, worryingly, the rate of heart donations has slumped over the past two decades in Wales, Scotland and England. “The reality is that nine out of 10 people want to donate but just 25% join the donor register. There is clearly a yawning gap between good intention and action and that needs to be filled, not with more research, but with active politics like they have in Wales. We need opt out legislation across the UK, supported by proper infrastructure and training for doctors. “While Wales may appear to be doing well relative to the rest of the UK, its donation rates still do not make great reading. Recognising more needs to be done, the country’s politicians are hopefully close to agreeing to opt out laws which would undoubtedly prove to be the difference between life and death for so many families.
