'An incredible gift': 263 organ transplants took place in Ireland this year
Motherway Organ 'truly Donation Dr Gift Of Lifesaving' Described As Catherine The
There were 263 organ transplants in Ireland this year thanks to organ donors, with one Cork man who benefited from a double transplant describing donations as “an incredible gift”.
William Mills from Mallow had a combined kidneys and pancreas transplant in 2022.
“‘My donor's organs have helped me and three other people to live a normal life, that’s an incredible gift that we have been given,” he said.
“Make today the day that you have that conversation with your loved ones about organ donation. One decision to become a donor can save many lives.’’
The Irish Kidney Association cautiously welcomed the HSE update but noted a slowdown since last year.
“With 63 transplants from 84 deceased donors and 30 living kidney donors, the 2024 transplant figures are lower than last year when there were 265 transplants from 95 deceased donors and the same number of living kidney donors, 30,” a spokeswoman said.
“So, it would appear we are losing ground rather than developing additional transplant capacity.”
Data from the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland office showed the transplants were linked to 84 deceased donors as well as 30 living organ donors and their families.
Last year, across the three national transplant centres, 175 kidney, nine heart, 13 lung, 40 liver, and four pancreas transplants were completed.
This includes kidney transplants from 30 living donors, the HSE said. In all there were 114 donors.
“Some donated organs do not have a suitable match in Ireland. In the spirit of ensuring the gift of life is passed on, these are offered to other countries where a suitable recipient benefits,” the spokeswoman explained.
HSE Clinical Lead for Organ Donation Dr Catherine Motherway thanked the donors and their families on behalf of ODTI.
‘‘Each year our organ donors, both living and deceased, continue to embody the best of humanity by giving the ultimate gift of life,” she said.
“It is my privilege on behalf of those who work throughout the service with our donors, donor families, transplant recipients, and those who awaiting organ transplantation, to try to express the gratitude and admiration of us all.”
She described the gift of organ donation as “truly lifesaving”.
“These figures represent so many lives affected. Organ donation is akin to a stone falling in the water with many ripples leading out from that act of kindness,” she said.
She added in English and Irish: “They are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tá siad go léir inár gcuid smaointe agus paidreacha.’’
Health minister Stephen Donnelly said: “Organ donation can transform the lives of recipients and their families.”
He thanked the donors and their families as well as the staff who helped make the transplants possible.
“Because of you other families still have their loved ones with them,” he said.
“Sadly, that is not the case for everyone and some patients die each year while waiting for a transplant. At any time, there are between 500-600 people on the transplant waiting lists.”
The Human Tissue Act 2024 will commence next year. This will bring in “deemed consent”, meaning people are assumed to be donors unless they have registered as preferring not to do so.
“The Act will expand pathways for living and altruistic organ donations,” he said.