Transplants and Waiting Lists Hit a Record High

WAITING lists for organ transplants have hit an all-time high, it was revealed yesterday.A total of 7,234 patients were registered as waiting for a transplant on March 31 – eight per cent higher than a year ago.However, a record number of people also received an organ transplant in the 2006-7.Figures from UK Transplant (UKT) showed that 3,074 patients received a transplant in that year – ten per cent higher than the previous year and the highest number on record. A further 1.1 million people also joined the NHS Organ Donor Register, taking the total by the end of 2006-7 to more than 14.2 million.Since 2001-2, there has been a 16 per cent increase in overall transplant numbers, UKT said.Chris Rudge, UKT managing and transplant director, said:”The growth in transplant numbers is very welcome and a credit to the kindness of the organ donors and their families, who make these life-saving operations possible.”But the figures also show that more organ donors are desperately needed. “The number of patients awaiting a transplant is greater than ever before, and it is vital that if people wish to help others live after their death, they make their intentions known by talking to their families and joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

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