Fewer organ transplants in Hampshire could be due to families declining donation, says the NHS Blood and Transplant service

FEWER life-changing organ transplants took place in Hampshire last year, which could be down to families declining to support donation.

Annual figures published by NHS Blood and Transplant show that while nationally there was a 5% increase in transplants in 2022-2023, Hampshire actually had fewer than the previous year.

In total 4,532 patients received donated organs from 2,386 donors – living and deceased – in the UK last year.

This included 108 patients in Hampshire, compared to 113 in 2021/22.

There are currently more than 7,000 people on the active transplant waiting list in the UK, including 165 patients from Hampshire.

Director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, Anthony Clarkson, said: “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 via the NHS organ donor register.

“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 percent 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 register - it is a simple action which only takes two minutes, but can ultimately save lives.”

For more information, call 0300 123 2323 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk