News releases
Archive releases
ITV announces Valentines week From The Heart campaignDuring Valentine's week, ITV will launch a new campaign, From The Heart, which aims to raise awareness of organ donation and the NHS Organ Donor Register.
NHS Blood and Transplant partners with Christian churches for fleshandblood campaignNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and creative agency KORE, have joined forces to promote fleshandblood, a campaign to mobilise the Christian Church to increase the number of blood and organ donors in the UK. This partnership marks the first time that NHSBT has worked with the Christian Church on a national initiative to promote blood and organ donation.
Media statement in response to 'Waiting for a Heart', ITV1NHS Blood and Transplant welcomes the attention brought to organ donation by ITV Tonight's 'Waiting for a Heart' documentary (ITV1, Thursday 22 November 2012).
Patients and donors benefit from new Organ Donation and Transplantation (ODT) reporting systemA new system has been launched today to help improve services for organ transplant patients and donors.
NHSBT supports NBTA's drive for more Asian organ donors at Diwali On The SquareNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a member of the National BAME Transplant Alliance (NBTA). The NBTA is promoting awareness of donation in black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.
Record number of organ transplants continuesIn a record-breaking year, 3,960 transplants were carried out in the UK in 2011/12, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today. The Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2012 shows the seventh year of growth in the number of transplants.
Council joins drive for more blood and organ donorsNHSBT and Dudley Council have signed up to a potentially life saving partnership aimed at encouraging more people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register and give blood.
Music charity partnership launched to reach new audiences during National Transplant WeekMusic is the key to a new partnership being launched this week between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and the Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF), aimed at increasing numbers on the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Family Support For Organ Donation Doubles When Wishes Are Known – Pass It OnNew figures released today to mark National Transplant Week show family support for organ donation more than doubles when people know about their loved one’s wishes.
Winners of National Transplant Week film competition 2012 announcedThe winners of a film competition to mark National Transplant Week (9-15 July) and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation were announced today.
Lung transplant trial could save livesA pioneering technique which breathes new life into previously unusable donor lungs could save the lives of many patients on the lung transplant waiting list.
NHSBT and Facebook use the power of sharing to boost organ donationA new collaboration to help boost the number of people on the Organ Donor Register was announced today by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Facebook.
Budding filmmakers sought for launch of National Transplant Week 2012Film competition to encourage public to pass on the message about organ donation
Viaspan product recallThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have been informed by the manufacturer that Viacom, a perfusion fluid used during abdominal organ donation, has been recalled.
Experts meet to discuss ways to release more donated organs for life-saving transplantsThe first NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) National Organ Donation Congress will bring together world experts to discuss advances in the field of organ donation, share experience and practice and identify how best to deliver a 50% increase in organ donation in the UK by 2013.
Faith Leaders In Unity To Launch Organ Donation And Religion ResourcesFaith leaders from all the major UK religions came together today (8 March 2012) for the first time to promote organ donation.
NHSBT response to BMA report - "What next for organ donation policy in the UK?" - Feb 2012Dr Paul Murphy, a consultant in intensive care and Clinical Lead for Organ Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said: "We welcome this report which acknowledges the excellent progress made by NHSBT and our partners in increasing the numbers of deceased donor organs available for life-saving transplant.
Plans unveiled for increasing living kidney transplantationPlans aimed at transforming more lives through living kidney donation and transplantation are to be revealed.
A Resolution For LifeMake it your New Year's resolution to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) and talk to your family and friends about donation. This is the plea from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to the 60% of us who say we support organ donation but still have not signed up.
Newham Council to lead new initiative to promote blood and organ donation amongst residentsOn Wednesday 14 December, the London Borough of Newham will become the first council to sign a formal partnership agreement with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) aimed at increasing organ and blood donation rates among residents. Building on the support already provided by other councils, the two year agreement will allow efforts to be sustained and momentum to be maintained in awareness-raising efforts.
NHSBT welcomes NICE guideline on improving organ donor identification and consent ratesNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) welcomes the NICE guideline on improving donor identification and consent for deceased organ donation, announced today.
Campaign tackling shortage of organ donors from BME groups on targetNHS Blood and Transplant's (NHSBT) current campaign to tackle the critical shortage of organ donors from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities has already achieved more than half its target to increase numbers signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Sign up to the Organ Donor Register for World Diabetes DayAn appeal has been launched by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to urge people to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) for World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2011.
Wales Organ Donation Bill White Paper - November 2011NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) welcomes any change that encourages people to discuss and support organ donation and we will work within whatever legislative framework is introduced in any of the four health administrations in the United Kingdom. As the UK Organ Donor Organisation, NHSBT will be involved in implementation of the new policy.
Workshop Report on The Role of Emergency Medicine in Organ DonationThis document reports on a Workshop held on October 4th 2010 between representatives of Emergency Medicine (EM), critical care, Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation and transplantation surgery.
Celebrities back new campaign to urge black communities to join the NHS Organ Donor RegisterCelebrities Alison Hammond, Ainsley Harriott, Tim Campbell, Ricky Whittle and Gina Yashere are backing NHS Blood and Transplant's (NHSBT) new campaign to urge more black people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR), so that more lives can be saved through organ donation.
Celebrities back new campaign to urge asian communites to join the NHS Organ Donor RegisterCelebrities, Nina Wadia, Pooja Shah, Riz Ahmed and Salima Saxton are backing NHS Blood and Transplant's (NHSBT) new campaign to urge more Asian people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR), so that more lives can be saved through organ donation.
Transplant documentary helps generate thousands of new organ donorsThe number of people signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) enjoyed a huge boost following the broadcast of the acclaimed documentary Transplant on BBC1 on Tuesday 4 October.
NHSBT statement on the Nuffield Council on Bioethics report, Human bodies:donation for medicine and researchThe Nuffield Council's Bioethics committee report endorses the systems in practice in relation to blood donation, living organ donation, altruistic cord blood donation and tissue donation for therapeutic use.
Transplant, on BBC1 tonight, tells the story of four individuals and shows the complete donor to transplant journey for the first time ever on UK TV.Unique Transplant documentary shows donor to transplant story in one programme
Increase in organ transplants in 2010/11 but urgent need for more donors continuesNHS Blood and Transplant’s Annual Review 2010-11, published today, shows another record year for numbers of organ transplants. It also saw the first UK-wide 10-year stem cell transplant strategy, creating more life-saving potential.
Education scheme Give and Let Live reaches more young peopleNearly three-quarters of schools are using an award-winning initiative to help young people learn about the importance of donating blood and organs, new research published today (1 Sep 2011) shows.
NHSBT Annual Review 2010-11 sees more lives saved and improvedFive pounds off the price of each bag of blood, the highest number of organs donated and a major 10-year strategy for stem cells were just three of the achievements delivered by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) last year.
Record-breaking year for organ transplantsA record high of 3,740 transplants were carried out in the UK last year NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) announced today in its Annual Activity Report 2010/11.
New national pancreas allocation scheme gives hope to patientsA new scheme, designed to give patients better access to pancreas transplantation across the UK.
More organ donors needed to reduce transplant waiting times in WalesThe average person in the UK spends an hour waiting every day whether it's in traffic, on public transport or in a queue.
More organ donors needed to reduce transplant waiting timesThe average person in the UK spends an hour waiting every day whether it's in traffic, on public transport or in a queue.
Transplant Week supporters form FlashmobTransplant charity, Live Life Then Give Life, and NHS Blood and Transplant led a group of amateur singers in a flashmob.
BMA UK Renews Support for Presumed Consent for Organ DonationDoctors today renewed their support for changing the UK's organ donation system from informed to presumed consent.
NHS Organ Donor Register Hits Record 18 MillionThe number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register has reached a record 18 million, according to figures released today by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Thanksgiving service at Ely Cathedral to honour East Anglian organ donors and their familiesMore than 1,000 people are expected to attend a special thanksgiving service at Ely Cathedral.
Ambitious Plans to Save More Lives Through Blood and Organ DonationPlans to save and improve more lives through blood, organ, stem cell and tissue donation were unveiled today.
1000th pin badge awarded to celebrate living organ donation.Victoria Teece, from Nottingham, is to become the 1000th recipient of a silver pin badge, which is awarded to living organ donors in a national scheme managed by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
It's SNOW wonderful! UK Transplant Kids jet off to Switzerland for International Transplant Ski CampOn Saturday 19th March, 10 very lucky UK transplant children aged 12-16 years old are heading off to the mountains of Switzerland to enjoy a week of ski and snow fun at the TACKERS International Ski Camp, with other children who have received new organs from across the globe.
One in four of those waiting for kidney transplant are Black or AsianAppeal for ethnic minorities to join NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) on World Kidney Day
One in four denied dying wishBlack and Asian families over-rule loved ones' decision to donate organs
Have a heart - Be a lifesaver this Valentine's DayWhile many people will be hoping for a romantic message or a gift on Valentine’s Day, thousands of others will be waiting and hoping for something that could save their lives – an organ transplant or blood transfusion.
Major milestone in Organ DonationMore than 1,000 people saved the lives of over 2,700 individuals last year, the highest ever, announced NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) today.
Successful Year for Blood and Organ DonationNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is celebrating a successful 2010.
Record Year for Organ DonationNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is celebrating a record 2010.
NHS Blood and Transplant makes new appointment to promote living donationLisa Burnapp has been appointed as Lead Nurse - Living Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)
New national organ donation and transplantation campaigning group launched.Leading patient groups and clinicians say more needs to be done in the NHS.
'Thank you for life' captures benefit of donationA moving new book containing the letters and photographs sent to organ donor families by patients who have received donated organs has been published for the first time.
Record high for UK organ transplantsA record high of 3,706 transplants were carried out in the UK last year NHSBT announced today in its Annual Activity Report 2009/10.
50 years since first successful UK kidney transplantA medical milestone is celebrated on 30th October 2010 - the 50th anniversary of the UK's first successful organ transplant.
Kidney Research UK enlist 500 to NHS Organ Donor RegisterA unique team of Peer Educators, trained by Kidney Research UK, Britain’s leading Charity dedicated to funding research into kidney disease, have successfully signed over 500 people to the NHS Organ Donor Register thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).
European transplant conference comes to CardiffOrgan donation experts from around the world will meet in Cardiff this week to discuss ways of tackling the desperate shortage of organs for transplant that, in the UK alone, leads to around 1,000 deaths a year.
NHSBT response to Lancet article on success of Donation after Cardiac Death kidney transplantsNHSBT welcomes this study which highlights the success of kidney transplants made possible through donors who have died from 'cardiac death'.
NHSBT Annual Review 2009/2010 - Saving and Improving LivesA major improvement programme around the production of lifesaving blood delivered savings for the NHS of £20 million last year according to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) whose Annual Review 2009-10 was published today.
'Come Sign With Me': NHSBT urges UK to have a 'Heart to Heart' over a mealMeal pack launched to encourage sign-ups to Organ Donor Register with celeb chef Lawrence Keogh
NHSBT offers free cab journey if you sign up to the Organ Donor RegisterWhen thousands of people hail down a black cab today, there will be only one to look out for, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is offering a free cab journey to anyone willing to sign up to the Organ Donor Register (ODR) whilst in the cab.
Actor Wil Johnson joins forces with transplant patients in new TV Campaign to encourage more Black donorsEstablished actor, Wil Johnson has joined forces with NHS Blood and Transplant to lend further support to a new campaign designed to increase the number of people from BME communities on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Actor Kulvinder Ghir joins forces with transplant patients in new TV Campaign to encourage more Asian donorsEstablished actor, Kulvinder Ghir has joined forces with NHS Blood and Transplant to lend further support to a new campaign designed to increase the number of people from BME communities on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Celebrities Gather to Prove It!NHS Blood and Transplant launch BME Organ Donation Campaign.
Professional Development Programme to improve organ donationA unique programme to support a UK-wide network of hospital organ donation 'champions' is to be launched next week.
Call for British public to show their support for organ donationAn NHS roadshow takes to the streets this week to call on people to prove their support for organ donation and join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
New research highlights need to bridge gap between good intentions and actionFirst UK-wide multimedia organ donation campaign rolls out today
NHS Blood and Transplant rated "excellent"NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has received an "excellent" rating in the annual health check results announced today by the Care Quality Commission. This is the highest standard achievable.
Reform of organ donation and transplantation service is helping to save more livesLess than two years after publication of a report calling for radical changes to the UK's donation and transplant service, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has recruited an additional 65 specialist nurses - Donor Transplant Co-ordinators - who guide families through the process of deceased donation.
Calling a new generation of lifesaversAs universities across the country welcome their first-year students, the NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) team is donning its swimwear to find a new generation of lifesavers!
Never too late to donateMore than half of the over 55s in the UK have written themselves off as potential organ donors, according to research commissioned by NHS Blood and Transplant, as they believe they are either too old or too ill for their organs to be of use.
Report on allocation of organs to non-UK EU residentsIn response to the publication of the report, Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
Organ donation map highlights UK variationsWhile Lands End and John O'Groats may be poles apart geographically they're side by side when it comes to generosity.
'Wall of Life' aims to boost numbers on organ donor registerTwo-year old heart transplant recipient, Louisa McGregor-Smith, is the face of a new website, www.walloflife.org.uk which has been launched to boost the number of people joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Faith group leaders come together to support 'Wall of Life'Leaders of the major faith groups have put their support behind the Wall of Life, an interactive campaign launched today by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). The campaign aims to promote awareness of and support for organ donation to boost the number of people joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
NHSBT named a winner in IT awards for Electronic Offering SystemNHS Blood and Transplant recognised as Laureate and health category finalist by the Computerworld Honours Program
Record Donation Levels in 2008-09 - England and NWRecord year for organ donation and transplantation numbers, five-year decline in attracting new blood donors halted
Record Donation Levels in 2008-09 - Scotland, Wales, NIGenerosity of organ donors makes 2008-09 a record year in transplantation, need for more donors acute as three die every day due to shortage
One number to give - one number to callIt is now simpler than ever to register to give blood or donate organs thanks to the introduction of a new, life-saving hotline that connects donors to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Review of the organ allocation system for non-UK residentsIn response to the announcement of the review, Bill Fullagar, Chairman of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'We very much welcome this review and the scrutiny which it will bring to bear on an issue which continues to cause public concern.'
Will they respect my body after I am dead?NHSBT online survey reveals current barriers to registration on the NHS Organ Donor Register
Send a message of hope on Valentine's DayWhile many will wait in anticipation of an anonymous message landing on their doormat this February 14th, for the thousands waiting to receive news of a possible transplant it could be a day just like any other, waiting and dealing with deteriorating health.
Exploring the donation paradoxA groundbreaking market research project to investigate the real reasons why people in the UK do not sign up to donate their organs has been commissioned by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
Life-saving organ donor register reaches 16 million earlyA call to double the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) to 16 million has been achieved - 12 months before the planned date.
New Year's Resolution: Make 2009 the Year of DonationNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is calling on the public to mark the year ahead with a commitment to donation by giving blood and signing up on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
New leading roles at NHSBTThree new senior clinical staff have been appointed to pivotal roles at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to assist the organisation in its implementation of the Organ Donation Taskforce's recommendations.
New technology revolutionises organ allocation processA new software system developed to speed up the process of allocating donated organs for transplant has already helped to save lives.
'Give Someone Extra Time' campaign kicks off this weekendNHSBT asks football supporters to sign up to NHS Organ Donor Register.
Organ Donation: Public awareness is key to successNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) welcomes the Government's call for more people across the country to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register. This call from Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, came in response to publication today of the Organ Donation Taskforce report recommending that an opt-out system for organ donation should not be introduced in the UK at this time.
NHSBT partners with BODY WORLDSNHS Blood and Transplant has agreed to be a health partner of BODY WORLDS at their latest exhibition at the O2 in London which runs until the end of August 2009.
Happy Birthday Organ Donor Register - 14 today.The NHS Organ Donor Register is 14 today. Since its launch in 1994, nearly 16 million people have signed up to save a life across the UK, by stating their wish to donate their organs for transplant in the event of their death.
Young people to learn about the power of givingFor the second year running, more than 3,700 secondary schools in the United Kingdom will be offered a free education resource to raise awareness of blood, organ, bone marrow and tissue donation.
Be a Superhero - save a lifeYoung people going to university for the first time this autumn are being given the chance to become a 'superhero' by signing up to save a life.
Be a Superhero - save a lifeMusic lovers going to this summer's V Festivals are being given the chance to become a 'superhero' and pledge to save a life by signing up as an organ donor.
Transplant numbers at new record - thanks to living donorsThe number of people receiving a life-saving organ transplant last year reached a new record, with the increase due to an all-time high total of living donor transplants.
For some dads father's day is extra specialWhile gardening gloves and golf balls will be typical presents in thousands of homes this Father's Day, one special group of dads can thank their children for something far more valuable – the gift of life.
First ever campaign to get Wales talking about organ donationA pioneering campaign aimed at increasing the number of organ donors in Wales will be launched today (Tuesday 13 May).
Football League clubs on the ball with life-saving messageNearly 70 clubs in the Coca-Cola Football League are kicking off a life-saving campaign at their final home game of the season by urging supporters to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Text to save a life, urges new advertising campaignMillions of passers-by are being encouraged to join the life-saving NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) in a high-profile outdoor advertising campaign featuring eye-catching body art images.
World winter transplant games in Finland10 transplant athletes are representing the UK, joining up with competitors from 20 countries, to compete in this year’s World Winter Games, including the V1th Nicholas Cup, for the Junior athletes.
Advantage Card male is one in seven - and one in a million!SEVEN times more women than men are among the one million people who have now joined the life-saving NHS Organ Donor Register via the Boots Advantage Card scheme, according to figures released today.
UK's oldest existing motoring club on track to boost life-saving campaignThe country's oldest existing motorsport club is giving a boost to the drive to encourage more people to become potential lifesavers by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Business in the Community to encourage more people to save a lifeStaff and customers at hundreds of the UK's top businesses are being offered the opportunity to become lifesavers thanks to a new partnership between Business in the Community and UK Transplant to encourage more people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Body art delivers hard-hitting message about shortage of donated organs (Celf corff yn rhoi neges gref am brinder organau a roddir)Caiff prinder yr organau a roddir ar gyfer trawsblaniadau ei danlinellu mewn ymgyrch hysbysebu genedlaethol yn y wasg sy’n cynnwys celf corff sy’n dal y llygad.
Body art delivers hard-hitting message about shortage of donated organsThe shortage of donated organs for transplants is to be highlighted in a national press advertising campaign featuring eye-catching body art.
Doubledecker bus arrives to support lifesaving campaignA London Routemaster bus is on a tour of towns and cities across the Midlands to help encourage people to become lifesavers by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Life-saving mail drop goes to millions of homes across MidlandsA life-saving mail drop in the Midlands aims to tackle the fact that the area has the lowest proportion of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) in the country.
NHS Blood and Transplant to establish national organ donation organisationNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) today welcomed publication of the report of the Organ Donation Taskforce set up by the Government.
Doubledecker bus arrives to support lifesaving campaignA London Routemaster bus is on a tour of towns and cities across the North of England to help encourage people to become lifesavers by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Richard and Judy deliver personal call to action to the NorthTV duo Richard and Judy are calling on nearly five million households across the North of England to make the same life-saving pledge they have and join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
UK Transplant senior director gives evidence to House of Lords Sub-Committee investigating organ donation in EuropeUK Transplant Managing and Transplant Director Chris Rudge is to brief peers on organ donation and transplantation in the UK as part of their investigation into the issue throughout the European Union.
40 years of heart transplant progress, but donor shortage still the biggest obstacleDecember 3 will have a double significance this year for heart transplant recipient Carole Eadie. As well as being her birthday, the date also marks 40 years since the world's first successful heart transplant.
Footballers are on the ball with life-saving messageMillwall footballers are proving winners on and off the pitch by urging supporters and the wider local community to offer the gift of life and join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2008 launch in SheffieldSheffield has been chosen as the host city of the 31st Westfield Health British Transplant Games and will welcome transplant athletes and guests from across the UK at the official launch of the Games on 8th November.
The Roy Pitman SocietyThe Roy Pitman Society (Donation for Life) will be officially launched by The Lord Mayor of Birmingham on 9th November 2007 at 12.30pm at The Copthorne Hotel, Birmingham. The aim of the society is to promote the giving of organ, blood and bone marrow donation to save or enhance life.
Life-saving mail drop goes to thousands of NI homesA life-saving mail drop will begin in Northern Ireland on November 5 giving every home in the Province the chance to send a message of hope to those desperately waiting for a transplant.
Support grows for presumed consentNew figures released today (Friday 19 October) by the BMA indicate that public support is growing for a system of presumed consent for organ donation.
Five-year-old boy receives landmark kidney transplantA little boy from Grimsby has a whole new future to look forward to after receiving the 50,000 th kidney transplant recorded in the UK.
Record numbers of students sign up to save a life at UK Transplant superhero tourThe nation's universities are full of superheroes after thousands of them signed up to save a life by becoming an organ donor.
Ninth European Day for Donation and TransplantationThe European Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation is being organised to promote the ethical principles of the Council of Europe in the field of organ transplantation, in particular the principles of non-commercialisation, and of protection of donors and recipients.
Life saving message goes to millions of homesMillions of Londoners are to receive a direct appeal to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) to help tackle the chronic shortage of donated organs.
Schools help future donors to 'Give and Let Live'Thousands of school children across the UK are to be offered a special lesson in life, aimed at highlighting the ongoing need for blood, organ, tissue, and bone marrow donors.
Be a Superhero - Save a lifeStudents arriving at university for the first time this term are being given the chance to be a superhero and help save a life.
Transplant milestone celebrated with 120,000th UK transplantBrave toddler Erin Nicks has become a transplant record setter just weeks before her third birthday after surgeons at the Birmingham Children's Hospital gave her a new liver and a new life.
Transplant recipients urge festival-goers to back organ donationAs thousands of people head to the Isle of Wight for this year's Cowes Week two fellow sailing enthusiasts are asking them to show their support for organ donation.
NHS good citizenship plea - "Help us to create a generation of lifesavers" with new educational resource for schoolsThe real life tragedy of a teacher who died in need of a bone marrow transplant is behind a brand new educational programme being launched in secondary schools this Autumn.
Make your wishes count during National Transplant WeekSupporters of organ donation are being urged to make their wishes count by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register during National Transplant Week (7-14 July).
Transplant campaign wins further praiseA life-saving NHS campaign has been recognised as the best-in-class at a national public relations event.
Donor dads give the gift of lifeAlmost a thousand 'donor dads' have given their son or daughter a new lease of life since living organ transplantation began in the UK.
Faith leaders back campaign for more black and asian donorsFaith leaders from several of the UK's major religions are lending their support to a campaign to tackle the growing ethnic minority 'donor gap'.
We've signed up - have you?Hundreds of kind-hearted people in south Wales have pledged the gift of life and joined the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) as part of UK Transplant's first mass mail drop campaign.
Birmingham hosts first ever Donation Day with support from Lord Mayor and Xfactor starsThe Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Mike Sharpe, along with local Xfactor band 4Sure will be in Victoria Square on Monday 30th April 2007 as they help to launch the Big Birmingham Donor Day.
Record year for transplants - but need for donors greater than everA record number of patients received a life-saving organ transplant last year, but rising demand means that the need for donors is greater than ever.
Wales rugby stars back organ donation mail dropWales rugby heros Gavin Henson and Lee Byrne are urging the people of Swansea not to waste a life-saving opportunity to bring hope to thousands of people's lives.
Top cricket club backs organ donation mail drop to be a big hitGlamorgan Cricket Club's top stars are backing the people of Cardiff to make a life-saving mail drop in the city a big hit.
Newport Gwent Dragons help kick off life-saving mail dropThe Newport Gwent Dragons have helped kick off a life-saving mail drop in Newport inviting people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Welsh stars backing organ donation mail drop to deliver successA host of Welsh celebrities have given their stamp of approval to a life-saving mail drop campaign in south Wales inviting more people to join the NHS Organ Donor register (ODR).
Campaign targets black and south Asian 'donor gap'Black and south Asian people are being urged to consider their wishes for organ donation, in a bid to tackle a growing ethnic minority 'donor gap'.
New Trust launched to measure public awareness of donationThe official launch of the Jeanette Crizzle Trust will take place at 3:00pm on Monday 29th January 2007 at the Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Fourteen million people signed up to pledge the gift of lifeFourteen million kind-hearted people have signed up to pledge the gift of life by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR), new figures reveal.
Minister publishes proposals for revised law on assisted reproductionPublic Health Minister Caroline Flint has published the Government's proposals for a major overhaul of the law on assisted human reproduction and embryo research.
Regulatory authority closedThe UK Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA) was wound up by Health Minister Andy Burnham on 12 December 2006.
UK plans to increase organ transplant numbers to new levelsUK Transplant today announced ambitious plans to increase the number of life-saving organ transplants, and cornea transplants, that can be carried out each year.
NHS Blood and Transplant announces strategy of modernisation and investmentNHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) today (29 November) published its proposed strategy, which is focussed on modernisation and investment to ensure continued delivery of high-quality services to patients and the NHS in the future.
Living donors boost transplant numbersAlmost one in three kidney transplants performed in the UK last year relied on the generosity of a living donor.
Rally legends back donor driveRally legends Colin McRae and Nicky Grist are urging motorists to follow their lead and sign up to the lifesaving NHS Organ Donor Register.
Organ donor family at Lord Mayor's ShowA family from Sunderland will be making a special journey to the Lord Mayor's Show in London this Saturday to send a special message of hope to the thousands of people currently waiting for an organ transplant in the UK.
Transplant recipient gets to drive London busA red double-decker bus will be returning to the streets of London at this year's Lord Mayor's Show to promote organ donation, almost a year to the day since the last Routemaster bus was taken out of service.
Organ Donor Bus heading to Lord Mayor's ShowA group of transplant recipients will be grabbing their pompons and red bowler hats and jumping aboard a double-decker bus to fly the flag for organ donation at this year's Lord Mayor's Show in London, in front of an estimated crowd of more than half a million people.
All aboard the Organ Donor BusA red London Routemaster bus is heading South this month on the third and final leg of a national tour to recruit more potential lifesavers. The double-decker Donor Bus is at the heart of a promotional campaign to encourage more people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Further stocks of "Gift of Life" rose available nowThe "Gift of Life" rose was commissioned by UK Transplant in 2005 to mark the 10th anniversary year of the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR). Further stocks are available now.
Organ donation is centre stage in schools theatre showA pioneer theatre roadshow is visiting Surrey primary schools next week (2-6 October) to educate children about organ donation and transplantation.
Dental practice helps patients brush up on organ donationA Derbyshire dental practice is helping patients brush up on their knowledge of organ donation-and join the lifesaving NHS Organ Donor Register-while they're waiting for a check-up.
All aboard the Organ Donor BusA red London Routemaster bus is heading North this month on the second leg of a national tour to recruit more potential lifesavers.The double-decker Donor Bus is at the heart of a promotional campaign to encourage more people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Be a superhero - save a lifeUK Transplant is calling all Freshers' to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
All aboard the Donor BusA red London Routemaster bus is on a summer holiday tour of Somerset to recruit more potential lifesavers. The double-decker Donor Bus is at the heart of a promotional campaign to encourage more people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
London Triathlon - Saturday 5 August 2006The first transplant team to take part in the London Triathlon completed the event in a respectable time of 2 hours 38 minutes.
New law puts donors' wishes firstRelatives will no longer have the legal right to overrule a loved one's wish to donate organs or tissue, following the introduction of legislation that will offer new hope to the thousands of people who need an organ transplant.
Human Tissue Authority launches new website and publishes first Parliament-approved Codes of PracticeEstablishments which require a licence under the Human Tissue Act can now apply for licences online following the launch on 13th July 2006 of the new Human Tissue Authority (HTA) interactive website www.hta.gov.uk.
Holidaymakers give a gift before they goWe often return from holidays bearing presents - but thousands of kind-hearted holidaymakers have also been giving a very special gift before they go.
Six millionth motorist joins UK Transplants Drive for LifeSix million motorists have now joined UK Transplant's Drive for Life by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register via the DVLA.
Letter sent to editors in National Transplant Week for publicationJuly 9-15 marks National Transplant Week - an opportunity to highlight the thousands of lives that have been and continue to be saved each year by organ donation and transplantation.
UK Transplant wins top public relations awardThe NHS team promoting organ donation has scooped a top UK public relations award.
Transplant cricketers go into bat for organ donation.Britain's traditional sporting rivalry with Australia will take a back seat this summer as cricketers from both nations take to the field to celebrate their life-saving organ transplants.
Nine-year high for sight-saving cornea transplant operationsThe number of people whose sight was saved by a cornea transplant last year was the highest for almost a decade.
Dentist's bid to boost donor numbersA former dentist who received a heart transplant is urging dental practices to display organ donor leaflets, and help save lives.
TV rivals join up in drive to boost organ donorsRival TV presenters Stephen Watson and Sue Corbett are uniting to urge Northern Ireland motorists to pledge the gift of life when they renew their driving licence or car tax.
Human Tissue Authority announces new life-saving forms of transplant and issues first ever licenceThe new Human Tissue Authority (HTA) has announced new opportunities for transplants which will potentially save or improve the lives of dozens of people a year. These types of transplant will be allowed from 1 September 2006, when the bulk of the Human Tissue Act (HT Act) comes into force, and will apply across the UK.
New allocation scheme means more equal access to kidney transplantsNew national rules for the allocation of donated kidneys will mean greater equity of access to kidney transplants for all patients who need one, as well as more transplants for long-waiting patients, young adults and those with rare tissue types.
Chitty gets donor drive off to a flying startBritain's favourite car has helped launch a new drive to encourage motorists to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
GPs can offer life after death in their surgeriesGeneral practitioners across the UK are being asked to help patients offer the gift of life after death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Librarians can offer the gift of life to their visitors this springLibrarians across the UK are to be asked to play a major part in helping people offer the gift of life by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Ulster pharmacies unite to spread the gift of life messageOffering the gift of life in Northern Ireland has become much easier thanks to every pharmacy in the Province now stocking leaflets encouraging people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
School children make a drama out of organ donor shortagePrimary school pupils are being invited to join the debate on organ donation thanks to an innovative Theatre in Education project.
84% of the UK value 'sight' over all other sensesA nationwide survey marking 100 years since the world's first successful cornea transplant has revealed an astonishing 84% of UK residents see their eyesight as the most precious of their five senses. Eyesight is valued ahead of hearing, which came second with 5% of votes. Smell, taste and touch all received 2% of the votes.
100 and counting - milestone pancreas transplant operation carried outThe number of NHS patients benefiting from a life-changing pancreas transplant in a year has hit treble figures for the first time. The 100th patient to receive a donated pancreas underwent the operation on 7 November at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge - the hospital where the surgery was pioneered in 1979.
Bedford leads the way with the gift of lifePeople in Bedford and Wimbledon were the most willing to answer the call to "Do It Now" and sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) during its 10th anniversary year.
Holidaymakers pledge the gift of lifeMore than 85,000 holidaymakers and travellers have responded to a special invitation to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
You don't have to be a surgeon to save livesFreshers students across the country answer the call to sign up.
Organ transplants at record levelsThe number of people benefiting from a life-saving organ transplant is currently on track to be the highest on record.
Thanksgiving service pays tribute to gifts of life by organ and tissue donorsTwo hundred relatives will remember and celebrate the generosity of their loved ones' life-saving donation of organs or tissue for transplant after their death at a special "A Gift of Life" thanksgiving service.
School rugby players pitch in with organ donation messageRugby players at a Bristol school will be touching down to help spread the message about organ donation and transplantation.
You did it! Thanks a million to organ donor "lifesavers"Thanks a million - that's the message after a million kind-hearted people signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register in less than 12 months.
Donor register: still time to join the one million challengeJust over 50,000 more "lifesavers" are needed to help the NHS Organ Donor Register reach its goal of adding one million new registrations during its 10th anniversary year.
Leicester buses herald the transplant games and urge people to meet one million transplant challengeLeicester people are being urged to go the extra mile and show their support for organ donation and transplantation as the annual Transplant Games take place on their doorstep this summer.
Human Tissue Authority publishes consultation documentA public consultation on codes of practice for storing and using human tissue samples is the first order of business for the new Human Tissue Authority (HTA) which has been created under the Department of Health's arm's-length body review.
Footballers use double-winning season to promote Transplant WeekA local football team is marking a successful season on the pitch by urging fellow players to think about organ donation as part of National Transplant Week, which runs from July 3-10.
Transplant 'party in the park' at Harefield HospitalOver 1000 adults and children are alive today thanks to the pioneering work of transplant specialists at Harefield Hospital. Celebrating 25 years of adult heart transplants and 21 years of paediatric heart transplants, Harefield Hospital is opening its grounds to celebrate with its 1000 patients at a special "party in the park" on Sunday 10 July.
Do it now! During National Transplant WeekIt's National Transplant Week (3-10 July) and people across the country are being encouraged to "Do it now!" and sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Millions invited to join lifesaving register this summerMillions of people will receive a special invitation to join the NHS Organ Donor Register from the start of July.
engage Super League rounds 19 and 20 support organ donationThis weekend engage Super League supporters will be able to get directly involved with the competition's campaign to support and encourage organ donation in the UK. All 12 clubs in the League are working in partnership with UK Transplant to promote the important message that organ donation plays a life-saving role within the health service.
New rose celebrates gift of lifeA new rose honouring organ donors and their families will be launched at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show during National Transplant Week (3 -10 July 2005).
All heart for organ donation and transplantation - photo callPupils from a Bristol school are showing they are all heart by backing organ donation and donning a smart new sports strip supplied by Bristol-based NHS UK Transplant.
Stars persuade readers to "Do it Now!" during National Transplant Week (3 -10 July 2005)A group of celebrities have written to newspaper editors, pledging their names in support of National Transplant Week and to promote the benefits of organ donation. Their thoughts about organ donation are also published in the campaigns section
TV talked about more than matters of life and deathBritons are more likely to know their partner's favourite TV programme than their wishes for organ donation, according to a poll.
Transplant record for diabetes sufferersA record number of diabetics benefited from a life-enhancing dual kidney and pancreas transplant last year.
Renal transplant unit reports go onlineDetailed statistics about the life-saving work of the UK's renal transplant units can now be accessed online.
Gateshead people are Angels of the North - plus South, East and WestGateshead - home to the Angel of the North - has been named the kindest place in the UK, with the highest proportion of people willing to give the gift of life by becoming organ donors after their death.
Landmark initiative launched in the UK to increase the number of living donor kidney transplantsA landmark initiative has been launched today in a bid to increase the number of living donor kidney transplants performed in the UK.
Chair of NHS Blood and Transplant appointedE. J. (Bill) Fullagar has been named today as the first Chair of NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). Mr Fullager will be taking up the role from today and will be overseeing the implementation of NHSBT, which will be established on the 1st October 2005.
Jonah Lomu marks return to rugby with appeal to sign up to NHS Organ Donor RegisterInternational rugby union superstar Jonah Lomu is using his return to the sport to back UK Transplant's 10th anniversary campaign to recruit an additional million people to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Campaign to recruit more black organ donors is a serious business for comedien Curtis WalkerA campaign to increase the number of black people benefiting from a life-saving organ transplant is getting right to the heart of Britain's black communities.
Living transplants reach all time highMore than one in four of all kidney transplants in the UK now rely on the generosity of a living donor.
Celebrations on Tyneside as heart swap baby Kaylee Davidson celebrates her 18th birthday in styleThursday 28th April is a very special day for one young lady from the North East as she celebrates her 18th birthday - a day her Mum Carol could never have imagined! Kaylee Davidson made medical history when at the age of 5 months old, she became Britain's youngest successful heart swap baby.
Congratulations and thank youA letter has been sent to newspapers for publication to mark the half way point in the 10th anniversary campaign.
New study seeks deeper understanding of bereaved families' attitudes to organ donationResearchers at the University of Southampton are looking for people to take part in a major new study into organ donation. The national study will look at the decision-making and experiences of bereaved people who after the death of a family member chose not to donate organs or tissues of the deceased relative for transplant operations.
New cornea donation leaflet aims to boost sight-saving transplantsA new leaflet is being launched to help boost the number of sight-saving cornea transplant operations carried out in the UK.
New rose dedicated to the gift of lifeA "Gift of Life Rose" has been specially grown to honour organ donors and their families as part of a campaign to mark the 10th anniversary year of the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Organ recipients join national campaign to say 'Thank you for the gift of life'Individuals from across the UK, who have received life saving organ transplants, are joining a major campaign to thank organ donors and their families.
NHS staff show support for Organ Donor RegisterAn overwhelming majority of NHS workers are in favour of organ transplantation, according to a national survey of healthcare professionals.
Sally Gunnell and Katie Derham say: Resolve to save a life this New Year!Make 2005 the year of turning good intentions into action, and resolve to save a life by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register - that's the message from UK Transplant.
50 years since first successful living donor kidney transplantA medical milestone is celebrated on 23 December - the 50th anniversary of the world's first successful organ transplant.
New living kidney donation leaflet published by NHS UK TransplantA new leaflet is offering a lifeline to thousands of people with kidney failure across the UK.
Donors save lives (letter for publication)As charities involved with transplant patients and donor families, we are backing an important life-saving initiative - and are seeking the support of your readers.
Transplant patients meet Tony BlairPrime Minister Tony Blair will welcome ten transplant recipients - from a six-year-old girl to a 74- year-old granddad - to 10 Downing Street to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Regional events build on London launchRegional launches of 10th anniversary of NHS Organ Donor Register
Launch of UK challenge to increase organ donationA UK-wide challenge is being launched today to add one million more "lifesavers" to the NHS Organ Donor Register during the next 12 months, bringing hope to thousands.
Gift of life leaflets for every GP surgeryHalf a million organ donor registration forms are being mailed to doctors' surgeries throughout the UK this week - in response to public demand.
Record number of organ transplants in the UKA total of 2,863 life-giving transplants were carried out during 2003-04 - the highest number ever performed.
Gary Lineker leading the drive to get more motorists to "sign up"TV presenter and sports star Gary Lineker is joining a nationwide campaign to recruit one million more "lifesavers" in the next 12 months.
Transplants save lives - on both sides of the ChannelHundreds of NHS patients have had their lives saved or dramatically improved thanks to the kindness of people throughout Europe allowing donated organs to be used for transplants in other countries.
Transplant charity celebrates 20th anniversaryA husband and wife who have campaigned tirelessly to promote organ donation after the tragic death of their son are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the charity they founded.
Running so life can go onNHS UK Transplant - the Bristol-based organisation for the donation, matching and allocation of organ transplantation across the UK - is fielding a team in a 10,000m run supporting kidney research.
UK Transplant's 10,000th liver transplant performedFurnaceman James Watson became a record setter when doctors gave him a new liver and a new life.
Scottish truckers set to save lives againScottish truckers are going at full throttle to carry the message that organ donation saves lives at Truckfest Scotland.
New blood and transplant authority proposedNHS UK Transplant has welcomed the Department of Health proposals announced today (Thursday 22 July 2004) to form a new Blood and Transplant Authority.
UK Transplant directors re-appointedSix current non-executive directors of NHS UK Transplant have been asked to serve a further year on the board of the Special Health Authority by the NHS Appointments Commission.
Forgotten forms could be lifesaversForgotten forms, tucked away at the back of drawers, in letter racks or behind the clock in homes across the UK, could be lifesavers.
Save a Life - joint campaign launched by Ethnic Minority Foundation and UKTThe Ethnic Minority Foundation (EMF) in partnership with NHS UK Transplant has launched a national Save a Life Campaign aimed at minority ethnic communities to help meet the growing needs of minority ethnic patients waiting for organ transplants.
Take time to register - National Transplant Week launchedThe launch of National Transplant Week - Take Time to Register - takes place at 10.30am on 14 July 2004 at Abingdon Green, London, supported by Health Minister Rosie Winterton. Seventeen-year-old Kaylee Davidson, the first baby in the UK to have a successful heart transplant, is officially launching the event to help raise awareness of the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation for transplantation. She has been chosen, along with heart transplant recipient and athlete John Fisher, as a positive example of how transplant recipients truly make the most of the time they have been given.
Cash injection to boost cornea transplantsFive hospitals are to receive funding from UK Transplant to boost the number of sight-saving cornea transplant operations.
Men need more transplantsMen are more likely to need a life-saving organ transplant - particularly a heart transplant - than women.
Visit your Co-op pharmacist and save a lifeMillions of shoppers are being given the chance to save someone's life when they visit their local Co-op pharmacy - by registering as an organ donor.
UK's main religions support organ donationPublic demand for more religious guidance on organ donation and transplantation is being met by a new publication from NHS UK Transplant - the special health authority responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
Midlands cricket team scores on organ donationHowzat! A West Midlands cricket club is setting out to bowl people over with a life-saving initiative aimed at increasing the number of organ donors.
More people benefit from organ transplantsThe UK has seen the highest number of organ transplants in seven years - saving or enhancing the lives of 2,854 people.
Firefighters lift for life-saving campaignFirefighters in Scotland are giving a lift to UK Transplant's drive for more motorists to become lifesavers by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Big-hearted drivers asked to back campaign for more donorsThree million drivers are being asked to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out and help save lives by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
UK Transplant Chairman re-appointedDr Gwynneth Flower has been asked to serve a further year as Chairman of NHS UK Transplant (UKT). She has been re-appointed to lead the board of the Special Health Authority by the NHS Appointments Commission.
Lung transplant success helps cystic fibrosis sufferersThe growing success of lung transplantation is helping to extend the lives of people with cystic fibrosis - the UK's most common inherited life-threatening disease.
New drive for more donorsToddler Eloise Allen, whose "mismatch" heart transplant made medical history, is spearheading a new drive to persuade more motorists to become lifesavers.
Leap for lifeCouples are being asked to make a loving commitment this Leap Year - by adding their names to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Boost for lung transplant patients as operations hit new highThe skill of transplant surgical teams and improvements in post-operative care have led to a record number of people benefiting from a lung transplant.
A Valentine's gift that comes straight from the heartWould you give your heart to another? That's the St Valentine's Day question being posed by NHS UK Transplant.
Transplant sailor back on the helmLife is plain sailing again for kidney transplant recipient Stu Budden - a message he is taking to regattas across the country from now on.
New drive for organ donationA couple who fought to fulfil their son's wish to help others after he was killed in a motor cycle accident are calling on motorists to back a new organ donation campaign.
Grampian Fire and Rescue Service leads the wayGrampian's fire fighters are used to saving lives but now they're doing even more - leaving a legacy of life for others by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Campaign highlights need for more black organ donorsThe drive to encourage more black people to think about organ donation continues this spring. High-profile roadside posters and radio adverts, backed up by specially designed posters are on show around London and the West Midlands between January and March 2004.
Government rules out presumed consentHuman Tissue Bill set to ensure confidence for patients and professionals in the use of human tissue and organs. Consent will remain the cornerstone of the Human Tissue Bill, Health Minister Rosie Winterton restated today. The debate on the second reading of the Human Tissue Bill will take place in the House of Commons tomorrow (15 January 2004). The Bill implements changes following the Bristol, Alder Hey and Isaacs inquiries, and will establish a regulatory system to give confidence to patients, families, doctors and researchers.
Informed patients means better kidney careReid launches new 10 year plan for renal services that puts patients at centre of care. People suffering from kidney failure will receive better support and information in more patient centred systems, following a 10 year plan for renal services launched today by Health Secretary John Reid. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Renal Services will help people to make informed choices and help prevent them from developing the complications of the disease. Copies of the NSF can be downloaded from the Department of Health's website.
Leave more than memoriesSix million motorists are to be targeted in a special drive to boost awareness of organ donation.
Organ donors are giving peopleMost people joining the NHS Organ Donor Register want to help as many others as possible after their death. More than eight out of ten people who register their wishes say they are willing for any of their organs, as well as their corneas, to be used.
High Street chemists asked to back organ donationThousands of pharmacists are being encouraged to help save lives by joining the campaign to raise awareness of the desperate need for donated organs. For further information please download the pdf version (127Kb)
Media group's staff click to save livesThe chance to save a life one day is just a click away for thousands of staff at 100 newspapers and magazines around the country.
Hospital Policy for organ and tissue donationEvery day somebody dies while waiting for a transplant because not enough organs are donated according to UK Transplant, the special health authority responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
Focus on cornea transplantsMore people are receiving the gift of sight through cornea transplantation as donations of the sight-restoring tissue increase. And the number of people electing to leave a legacy of restored sight to someone else after they die is also rising.
Relious perspectives conferenceNearly 200 hospital chaplains and bereavement workers will be meeting in Birmingham next week to hear how they can help give grieving relatives the opportunity to consider organ donation.
Softball team highlight organ donationA London softball team has struck a new sponsorship deal that could prove a lifesaver. The Orphans - a softball team made up of nurses and advertising workers - has been provided with new kit by UK Transplant, the special health authority responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
Scottish truckfest aims to saves livesScottish truckers are driving home the message that organ donation saves lives at a heavyweight event this weekend. Thousands of visitors to Edinburgh's Truckfest event at the Royal Highland Showground are to be given the chance to leave a gift of life by signing on to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Kind hearts save livesJoin the NHS Organ Donor Register. That's the plea to Northern Ireland residents during National Transplant Week. While 18% of UK residents - that's nearly 1 in 5 of the population have registered their wishes to help others after their death, only 9% of residents in the North have signed up. The shortfall is revealed in figures released by UK Transplant to mark National Transplant Week (28th July - 1st August)
New leaflets tell that religions back organ donationSenior key religious leaders in the UK have helped to produce a new set of leaflets aimed at dispelling many commonly held misconceptions surrounding organ donation. And now UK Transplant is to provide intensive care (ICU) staff with the groundbreaking new leaflets which are specifically aimed at increasing organ donation from people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Glastonbury festival-goers get chance to save livesGlastonbury festival-goers are being offered the opportunity to save a life. UK Transplant is attending Britain's biggest music festival for the first time this year to encourage visitors to think about leaving a life-saving legacy.
Give families the opportunity to donateA grieving mother will deliver an urgent appeal to NHS chiefs in Glasgow this week - give families the opportunity to donate.
Kind Scots help save livesScots have proved themselves to be among the most kind-hearted in the UK. 21% of Scottish people have pledged to help others after their death by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Dial 0845 60 60 400 to save livesSaving someone's life is now as easy as picking up the telephone. For the first time ever, anyone who wants to help someone else to live after their death can join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) by ringing the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400.
Scoring goals and saving livesA five-a-side football team hopes to be scoring goals - and helping save lives - when the Men's Health Soccer 5s kicks off on Saturday.
Full speed ahead for drive to boost organ donationPowerbike racer Helen Mawdsley is living life at full throttle - thanks to a life-saving liver transplant.
Organ donation, your questions answeredWill they just let you die if they know you want to be a donor? The answer to that - and more than 40 other questions posed by potential organ donors - is given in a new booklet published by UK Transplant, the NHS special health authority.
Rise in organ transplant numbersThe UK has seen the highest number of organ transplants in six years. Last year (1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003) 2,777 patients had their lives saved or dramatically improved through the generosity of 1,164 donors. This equated to a 6% increase compared to the previous 12 months (1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002).
Councils urged to support life saving campaignCouncils across the UK are being asked to support a life-saving campaign. More than 300 local authorities are being encouraged to give their residents the opportunity to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) and help others after their death. UK Transplant Chief Executive Sue Sutherland has asked council chiefs to distribute the Vote for Life appeal as part of this autumn's electoral registration process..
Survey shows huge support for organ donationNine out of every ten people in the UK support organ donation, according to a new survey. But - despite this enormous support for life-saving transplants - less than one in six people have registered their wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Five a side soccer team highlight organ donationA five-a-side football team has netted a new sponsorship deal that could prove a life-saver. The Old Boys FC, who play in the indoor five-a-side league at Broadclyst, near Exeter, have been provided with new kit by UK Transplant, the special health authority responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.
Brighton leads the way in Vote for Life campaignA campaign to encourage more people to pledge life-saving organs after their death comes to Brighton next week. UK Transplant, which is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs, is attending an annual gathering of council election officers in the city to encourage them to take up the successful Vote for Life initiative which has already been run by 65 local authorities.
Sian's pledge to save livesDental nurse Siân Gibbon put her name on the NHS Organ Donor Register because she wanted to give the Gift of Life to others after her death. But her selfless act had an unexpected outcome. For Siân's name was the 10 millionth to be placed on the register since it started just eight years ago.
Ten million people signed up to save livesTen million people in the UK have pledged to help save someone's life - by giving permission for their organs to be transplanted after their death. The milestone was reached when 23-year-old Siân Gibbon of Cardiff, South Wales, added her name to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Monmouthshire residents vote for life in organ donor campaignThousands of people awaiting an organ transplant have been given a major boost by Monmouthshire County Council residents. More than 16,300 people have pledged to help others after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Weymouth and portland residents vote for life in organ donor campaignThousands of people awaiting an organ transplant have been given a major boost by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council residents. More than 6,500 people have pledged to help others after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Soccer deal highlights organ donationLocal soccer side Greyfriars Athletic has netted a new sponsorship deal - one that goes right to the heart of the team. Greyfriars, currently mid table in the Bristol and District League Division VI, have signed an agreement with Stoke Gifford-based special health authority UK Transplant.
Purbeck residents vote for life in organ donor campaignThousands of people awaiting an organ transplant have been given a major boost by Purbeck District Council residents. More than 4,600 have pledged to help others after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.
New foundations for organ donationNearly £4 million is being invested in the NHS to boost the number of life-saving organ transplants. UK Transplant is funding 35 donor liaison schemes, 25 living donation programmes, a further 11 transplant co-ordinators and six non-heartbeating programmes.
The silver jubilee transplant games 25 years promoting organ transplantation"As we approach the end of 2002, the transplant profession continues to look anxiously at the continuing problems associated with transplantation. Not least amongst these is the static, or even falling organ donor rates, and the tragic instances where recipients die waiting for an organ transplant that may never come. Against this background, the Transplant Sports Association of Great Britain is set to run the 25th Silver Jubilee British Transplant Games in the fabulous sporting facilities of Loughborough University..
Millions asked to vote for lifeDozens of local authorities across the UK are giving their residents the chance to "vote for life" when they receive their annual electoral registration forms Councils from Scotland to Cornwall are to send out NHS organ donor registration forms asking people to sign up as potential donors at the same time they register to vote. A total of 39 local authorities with a joint population of more than 6 million have agreed to take part in the scheme this autumn.
Old and young line up for the forthcoming British transplant gamesDouglas Freeman, a 77-year-old kidney transplant recipient from Surbiton will be the oldest competitor taking part in the British Transplant Games which takes place in Loughborough at the end of August.
Black people urged to sign up as organ donorsA health awareness and fun day to promote organ donation within the black community will be held in South London later this month. The event will be held in Peckham Square, Melon Road, Peckham, SE15, on 22 August to raise awareness of the need for more organ donors within black communities. The event takes place between 11:00 and 16:00. Black people are three times more likely as the general population to develop kidney failure and need a kidney transplant.
Heart transplant maraton man competes in the 25th British transplant gamesMick Foster, a 57 year old builder from Cornwall will be competing in his 8th British Transplant Games in August. Mick was given a heart transplant by the World famous Sir Magdi Yacoub at Harefield Hospital in May 1993 and hasn't looked back since.
Review of the law relating to human organs and tissueThe Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have published a consultative report, Human Bodies, Human Choices, on the law relating to human organs and tissue.
Patients' group to advise on transplantationTransplant patients, donors and donor families are being given the chance to voice their views on the country's organ transplant service. A Patients' Forum is being set up by UK Transplant - the NHS organisation responsible for matching and allocating donated organs - to ensure patients' views are taken into account when decisions are made.
Vote for lifeHundreds of local authorities across the UK are being asked to give their residents the chance to "vote for life" when they receive their annual electoral registration forms. UK Transplant Chief Executive, Sue Sutherland, has written to more than 400 councils in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland urging to them to give their voters the opportunity to join the NHS Organ Donor Register at the same time they register to vote.
Sign up to the gift of lifeHealth Minister David Lammy with the help of the RAF's elite fighter team The Red Arrows launched this year's National Transplant Awareness Week by unveiling a billboard encouraging the public to register to become organ donors.
Caring talk saves livesPeople are being urged to save lives - by simply talking. Organs which could be used to save or transform lives are being buried or cremated - because people have not discussed their wishes with their family and friends.
Launch of new UK Transplant websiteA few minutes spent online could mean a lifetime to someone else. That was the message delivered by world-famous heart transplant surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub as he officially launched UK Transplant's new-look website on 3 July 2002.
Boost to living organ donation across UKUK Transplant is hoping to dramatically improve the lives of hundreds more kidney patients by increasing the number of transplants from living donors. Eleven hospitals throughout the UK are to be given a cash injection of more than £2million to pay for extra specialist staff over the next three years in a bid to build on work already taking place and give more families the opportunity to consider living organ donation.
Organ donors needed to help diabeticsAlmost 500 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant - as a direct result of diabetes. The condition, which is a leading cause of kidney failure, is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough, or any insulin.
New website provides more information about organ donationUK Transplant is widening the net to encourage more people to help save lives by becoming organ donors after their death. A new website aimed at encouraging Internet users to find out more about organ donation and transplantation went live on June 1 2002
Transplant chief makes urgent plea - don't let lives go to wasteWaste bins are being used to deliver an urgent plea to NHS health chiefs to stop precious lives going to waste.
Snowboarder becomes first organ transplant recipient to win olympic medalChris Klug, a 29-year-old American, became the first organ transplant recipient to win an Olympic medal.
Organ donor rates monitered for the first timeOrgan donor rates are being included in health authority performance indicators for the first time. Welcoming the move, UK Transplant chief executive, Sue Sutherland said: "Publishing these figures raises the importance of organ donation and transplantation to new heights and is sure to encourage more interest and attention."
New edition of ultra guidance issuedOn 4 January 2002 the Unrelated Live Transplant Regulatory Authority (ULTRA) issued updated Guidance to Clinicians, also known as the 'Blue Book'.
Donor care director appointed at UK TransplantA former nurse who gained 20 years' experience in organ donation and transplantation at the pioneering Addenbrookes and Papworth hospitals in Cambridgeshire has become UK Transplant's first Director of Donor Care and Co-ordination.
Organ donation and transplantation - The multi-faith perspectiveThe published proceedings of the conference held in Bradford in March 2000 are now available as a pdf file.
Aiden is 100,000th registrationEight-year-old Aiden Miles has become the 100,000th person to be placed on the National Transplant Waiting List.
Cash injection to boost transplantsDozens of hospitals are to share a £4 million cash injection designed to boost the number of life-saving organ transplant operations as part of the Government's commitment to double the number of organ donors.
New drive to double the number of registered organ donorsAt a meeting between Health Secretary Mr Alan Milburn MP and the country's leading experts in transplant services, which was held in London on Tuesday 27 February 2001, Mr Milburn pledged unprecedented effort to improve transplant services.
New drive to double the number of registered organ donorsAt a meeting between Health Secretary Mr Alan Milburn MP and the country's leading experts in transplant services, which was held in London on Tuesday 27 February 2001, Mr Milburn pledged unprecedented effort to improve transplant services.
Organ donation in the 21st century - time for a consolidated approachBritish Medical Association Report published on 13 June 2000.
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