27
Sep 2019
Heart transplant waiting list doubles in a decade
Official figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) have revealed that the waiting list for heart transplants has more than doubled in ten years. 313 patients are currently waiting for an organ to become free, a rise of 130 per cent from a decade ago, which is thought to have been caused by an ageing population and the current obesity crisis.
NHSBT’s director of organ donation and transplantation Anthony Clarkson, said “We can save more lives if more organs are donated”. However, he added that the NHS “urgently” needs more donor hearts to help the hundreds of patients urgently waiting for a transplant.
He added “We want to help as many people as possible so we would urge everyone to think about organ donation and share your decision with your family.”
The warning has come ahead of the opt-out organ donation becoming law from next year following a Government bill, also known as Max and Keira’s Law (named after a boy who received a heart transplant from a girl) which was approved earlier this year.
The change will mean that all adult organs can be taken after they die, unless the NHS is specifically told otherwise.
The British Heart Foundation’s John Maingay, said “Hundreds of people across the country are on the waiting list for a heart transplant at any one time. And sadly not everyone will currently receive the transplant that they desperately need.
“The introduction of Max and Keira’s Law in England and Scotland means we will switch to a soft opt out system, which will provide much needed hope for those on the heart transplant waiting list.
“This is a significant legal change that makes it all the more important for everyone to let their closest relatives know what they would want to happen with their organs in the event of their death.
“It is also vital that you make sure your decision is registered, so there is no confusion about what you want.
“Letting people know your wishes for after you die could ultimately save the lives of others.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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