Key Summary
- UK transplant needs rise as donor numbers fall
- Only 59 per cent of families support organ donation
- Experts call urgent public awareness
The UK faces a critical time as the need for organ transplant rises while the number of donors fell.
As per NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) nearly 8,000 individuals including children are on the transplant waiting list.
Another 4,000 people require transplant yet they are too sick or unavailable for the surgery putting the lives of almost 12,000 people in life or death situation.
“We are facing an incredibly concerning situation where more people than ever are waiting for transplants, but fewer donations are taking place. Tragically, someone will die today waiting for a transplant – we urgently need more people to register their decision to donate and to have these vital conversations with their families,” said Anthony Clarkson, NHSBT’s director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
While 2023-24 had 4,651 transplants fulfilled, 2024-25 completed 4,583 surgeries marking a two per cent drop. On the other hand, compared to the 1,510 late donors last year, there was a seven per cent drop this year to 1,403.
The NHSBT report said that only 59 per cent of families agree to organ donation when a loved one dies, and this number remains low.
Last year, 173 families blocked donation despite their relative's registered or stated wish to donate.
In 520 more cases, families refused donation even though the law assumes consent, as their loved one hadn’t opted out or shared any decision.
Fiona Loud, policy director of the charity Kidney Care UK, asked ministers to conduct a national awareness campaign to improve the scenario.
“Sadly, the transplant waiting list is now the longest it has ever been, and we need to act to ensure the number of people waiting for a transplant is reduced. Action is needed now on promotion and prevention to reduce the waiting list and help save lives in 2025 and in the future,” she added.
