Worrying number of organ donations blocked by families

A report from the BBC has found that 505 registered organ donors had their decision blocked by relatives, over the past five years. Last year, 457 people died last year waiting for an organ transplant.

It was revealed that a third of families stated that their reason for blocking the donation going ahead was down to the process taking too long. Despite families having no legal right to block donation, after an individual has registered as a donor, the wishes of the families are respected when making a decision.

NHS Blood and Transplants, the organisation responsible for providing blood and transplantation services to the NHS, encouraged more people on the organ donation registered list to have conversations with their families to ensure that their wishes are understood.

The news of the numbers blocking organ donation comes not long after a consultation was announced to introduce an opt-out process in England – such a system is already in place in Wales and a similar system is currently being implemented in Scotland.

Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said of the announcement:

"NHS Blood and Transplant welcomes the commitment made in the Prime Minister’s speech to increasing organ donation and transplantation. We all want to see more lives saved and welcome anything which encourages more people to share their personal organ donation decision with their family.

"We hope this announcement will drive a national conversation about organ donation. Whatever legislation is in place, telling your family of your organ donation decision lets them know what you want to happen and means your family don't have to make a difficult decision when they are grieving."

The consultation will be held before the end of the year. It is hoped that an opt-out process may reduce the waiting time for those needing an organ transplant. At present, there are currently 6,406 people on the organ donation waiting list across the UK.