Thousands of Midlands patients are still waiting for a transplant despite an increase in the life-saving procedures.

Latest annual figures published today, 12 July 2023, by NHS Blood and Transplant show that last year (2022/23), there was a 5% increase in the number of patients whose lives were saved or improved through an organ transplant in the UK. 

The annual Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Activity Report shows that 4,532 patients received donated organs from 2,386 donors – living and deceased – in the UK last year (2022/23). This is a five per cent increase on figures in 2021/22.

In the East Midlands, more than 300 patients received a living or deceased transplant, compared to more than 600 in 2021/22 (243 East Mids 372 West Mids). There are currently over 7,000 people on the active transplant waiting list in the UK, including more than 520 patients from the East Midlands. 

Clinicians warn that opportunities for transplant are still being missed due to families declining to support donation. People in the Midlands are being urged to confirm their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, families are more likely to support donation when they already know it was what their relative wanted. 

9 out of 10 families honour their family member when the donor had confirmed their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register. 

Last year (2022/23) there were more than 160 organ donors in the East Midlands – living and deceased – compared with more than 170 donors the year before.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Over 50,000 people are alive in the UK today thanks to the life-saving gift of organ donation, and more than 700 people had a transplant in the Midlands last year. But this wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors and their families who have given their support for donation at what is often the most difficult of times. 

"We know that most people support organ donation in principle, and we have seen a steady increase in the number of people confirming their support for organ donation via the NHS Organ Donor Register, including more than 4 million in the Midlands (4). 

"However, we still need families to support their loved one's decision and agree to donation when approached, which we know is most likely when they know that's what they wanted. With only one per cent of people dying in circumstances where organ donation is possible, every donor is precious and has the potential to save up to nine lives. 

"We urge everyone who supports organ donation to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It is a simple action which only takes two minutes; but can ultimately save lives." 

To find out more, and confirm your support for organ donation, click here, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app.