Families continue to save and improve lives through deceased organ donation

Our Trust was in the top 20 hospitals for organ donation last year, according to new figures published by NHS Blood and Transplant.

During 2022/23 20 patients went on to save the lives of 51 patients following their death at NNUH. Nationally 1,429 people who donated their organs after death and 958 living donors helped 4,533 people with organ failure, who desperately needed a transplant.

NHS Blood and Transplant and NNUH have released the figures to mark the publication of the annual Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report showing that NNUH was one of the top 20 donor hospitals in the UK last year.

The annual report shows deceased organ donation in the UK increased by 2% last year thanks to the continuing recovery of organ donation and transplant activity following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite this, the number of people being listed for a transplant has increased, due to most being suspended during the height of the pandemic and, subsequently, others needing a transplant being added to the list. There are more than 7,000 people on the active waiting list.

Natalie Ashley, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “I have the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible families who have made the selfless decision to support their loved ones to help save and improve the lives of others through the gift of organ donation. What better legacy can there be?

“In September we will celebrate Organ Donation Week and are planning ‘The Great Organ Hunt’ in Norwich city centre on Saturday 23 September, between 10am and 4pm in Chantry Place. Look out for buses in and around Norwich which will be promoting organ donation. All these events help us to get more people talking about organ donation, so that their loved ones know their wishes when they die.”

Find out more and register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation. nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.