In a significant new development, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has announced an urgent response plan aimed at addressing an alarming decline in organ donation rates across the UK. This plan was introduced as part of Organ Donation Week, emphasising the need for immediate action as the organ transplant waiting list has surged, with nine individuals dying each week while waiting for vital transplants.

Recent statistics reveal that deceased donation rates are currently down by 9% compared to the previous year, contributing to a waiting list that now exceeds 8,700 people. The increase in this waiting list is exacerbated by a concerning decline in family consent for organ donation. Between April 2021 and March 2026, over 700 potential donations did not proceed because families were uncertain about their loved ones' wishes.

The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the fact that while only 1% of individuals die in circumstances where organ donation is feasible, the number of eligible donors has decreased by approximately 20% since 2019/20. Consent rates from families have also shifted dramatically, dropping from 67% in 2020/21 to 57% last year. Families generally support organ donation 90% of the time when they are aware of the deceased's decision, while this figure drops to around 50% when no explicit wishes are known.

In light of these statistics, NHSBT is calling for one million individuals who have not yet registered as organ donors to do so this year. Completing registration takes just two minutes and can help ensure families know their loved one's wishes during crucial moments.

A personal story from Hannah and Mike Jolliff underscores the life-saving potential of organ donation. Their son, Ollie, received a liver transplant at just 11 months of age due to a genetic condition. Sadly, their eldest son, Kieran, passed away at the age of four and a half from the same condition, highlighting the critical importance of organ donation for families facing life-threatening conditions. The Jolliffs stress the importance of making organ donation decisions known to avoid missed opportunities in the future.

Miriam Lee, whose liver was donated to Ollie, had registered her wishes and communicated them to her family before her untimely death at 17. Her parents, Nicola and David Lee, chose to honour Miriam's wishes, resulting in multiple lives being positively impacted. They continue to foster a bond with the Jolliff family, meeting annually at the British Transplant Games.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHSBT, has acknowledged the unprecedented challenges currently faced by the organ donation system. Clarkson stated that collective efforts from the NHS and society are essential to reverse the current trends and save lives. He emphasised the need for individuals to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register, stating that many may require an organ at some point in their lives and that opportunities to save lives should not be lost due to a lack of clarity regarding personal wishes.

In addition, Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urged the public to register their organ donation wishes during this critical week. Cooper highlighted that registering takes only a couple of minutes but could hold the potential to provide a new lease of life for someone in need in the future.

The newly launched urgent response plan marks the first time the NHS has needed to implement an urgent response plan for organ donation. The plan will entail collaboration with NHS Trusts across the UK to enhance both the support for organ donation within society and the identification of potential donors. Key components of the plan include improving protocols for testing neurological death, enhancing consent rates, and maximising donation opportunities in hospitals.

Alongside these immediate measures, NHSBT is also formulating a long-term transformation programme to ensure the sustainability of the organ donation and transplant system. This will adapt to changing demographics, expand donation after circulatory death, and leverage innovative techniques to optimise the use of available organs.

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