308 lives have been saved in 2017 due to a record amount of organ donations.
Minister for Health Simon Harris TD announced that this year is the first in which the milestone of 300 organ transplants has been reached.
This marks an increase in the number of transplants from 280 in 2016 to 308 this year.
The Minister also announced a new high of 149 organ donations. This represents a significant increase on the previous record number of 127 in 2016.
Minister Harris thanked the 98 families of deceased donors who through their generosity gave a new lease of life to over 300 people.
He also acknowledged the commitment of the staff of the National Organ Procurement Service and the Intensive Care personnel across the country, with donor organs being made available through 20 different hospitals during the year.
Minister for Health Simon Harris TD and Prof Jim Egan, Director of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland
Professor Jim Egan, Director of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland said:
“Our message is simple, organ donation saves lives.
“Thanks to the generosity of 98 families donating the organs of their loved ones, 308 people have received the gift of life through transplant surgery to date in 2017.
“The excellent rates of organ donation and transplantation in 2017 reflect the generosity of Irish society.
“Most importantly, I acknowledge the courage and generosity of families who have donated their loved one’s organs.”
The organ transplant figures for 2017 were as follows:
Beaumont Hospital – 190 kidney transplants
St Vincent’s university Hospital – 61 liver transplants & 5 pancreas transplants
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital – 36 lung transplants & 16 heart transplants
Minister Harris also announced the publication of a Report on the Public Consultation for a Proposed Human Tissue Bill. The report, which was prepared by the Department of Health, outlines the views of members of the public and stakeholders on the proposals for a Human Tissue Bill.
The consultation sought views on proposals to implement the key recommendation of the Madden Report on Post-Mortem Practices and Procedures.
The public consultation report shows that the majority of participants either agreed with, or expressed no disagreement with, the proposals on post mortem practice, anatomical examination, education & training of medical professionals, and public display.
The report also shows that a large majority of respondents expressed agreement with the proposed opt-out system for organ donation.
Commenting on the findings, Minister Harris says that he is “delighted” with the level of support for the proposed soft opt-out system for organ donation, with 261 completed responses received to the public consultation.
“Our objective is to increase organ donation and the number of transplants arising as a result. 83% of consultation respondents stated that the proposed opt-out system would encourage them to discuss their intentions regarding organ donation with their next-of-kin.
“It is important that we all consider our position on organ donation and that we make our views known to our loved ones. In this way we can increase the chances that our organs will be utilised after our death.
“I now intend to bring the draft heads of the Human Tissue Bill to Government in the first quarter of the new year.”
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