Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has encouraged the public to register on the Organ Donor Register.
The Minister was speaking following an announcement by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) that increasing numbers of organ donors helped to deliver a record high in transplantations last year. But there are still more than 10,000 people across the UK in need of an organ to transform or save their lives.
Mr McGimpsey said: “Sixty-two Northern Ireland residents received transplants last year, but some 256 people here are still waiting for an organ transplant and last year 13 died while waiting.
“Across the UK about three people a day die in need of a transplant. I strongly urge all Northern Ireland residents who support organ donation to register on the Organ Donation Register and to discuss their wishes with friends and relatives.”
Notes to Editors:
- NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a Special Health Authority in the NHS. It is the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs. Its remit also includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS.
- Last year (1 April 2008-31 March 2009) saw 3,502 organ transplants carried out across the UK, an 8% increase on the previous 12 months.
- There are currently 446,322 Northern Ireland people registered on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This equates to a little over 25% of the population against a national average of 26%.
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