Organ Donation

Media statement in response to 'Waiting for a Heart', ITV1

NHS Blood and Transplant welcomes the attention brought to organ donation by ITV Tonight's 'Waiting for a Heart' documentary (ITV1, Thursday 22 November 2012).

As the programme highlighted, there is a desperate shortage of many organs for transplants, including hearts.

Though the number of heart transplants carried out in the UK has increased in the last two years, there are still not enough suitable donors to give all those on the waiting list the heart transplants they so desperately need.

The best way to help people on the waiting list is by signing the Organ Donor Register - www.organdonation.nhs.uk - and, crucially, informing your loved ones of your wishes. Research shows that family support for organ donation doubles when people know about their loved ones' wishes to donate their organs after death.

NHSBT is also due to launch new plans in April 2013 aimed at further increasing the number of organs available for transplant.

Ends

• For additional information please contact the NHSBT press office on 01923 367600.
• For urgent out of hours enquiries please call 0117 969 2444.

Notes to editors

• NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England and North Wales. It is also the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.