A total of 263 organ transplants as a result of organ donations in 2024 – The Irish Times

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), a total of 263 organ transplants have been carried out this year ahead of organ donation reform coming into force next year.

SELECTThe Office of Organ Donor Transplantation Ireland (ODTI) praised the “selfless actions of the 84 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families” who made the transplants possible.

The operations performed at three national centers this year included 175 kidney transplants, 40 liver transplants, 13 lung transplants, nine heart transplants and four pancreas transplants. The ODTI said some organs were not a suitable match in Ireland and 22 were transplanted abroad.

The Minister of Health noted that 500-600 people are on transplant waiting lists at any given time. Stephen Donnelly He said some patients die every year while waiting for a transplant.

He said the introduction of the Human Tissue Act 2024 next year would help increase the donor pool in Ireland, “always fully respecting the wishes of people and their families”.

The law will introduce “default consent,” which includes the option for people to opt out if they do not want to donate their organs.

“Families will continue to be consulted before donation. That’s why it’s important to talk to your loved ones about organ donation and express your intention,” said Mr Donnelly. “Having this conversation now can give your loved ones clarity and peace of mind if they are faced with the decision to donate.”

ODTI’s clinical lead, Dr Catherine Motherway, thanked the 114 donors and their families, saying they continued to represent “the best of humanity by giving the greatest gift of life”.

William Mills, from Mallow, Co Cork, who had a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2022, said his donor had helped him and three others “live a normal life”.

“The decision to become a donor could save many lives,” he said.