July 11, 2013

taking organ transplantation to 2020 – a UK strategy

In April 2013, a 50% increase in deceased organ donation was achieved following a five year target set by the Organ Donor Taskforce (ODTF) along with 14 recommendations. Although the target was met, there is still a significant gap between the need and availability of organs for transplant. A new strategy is needed – building on what has been achieved so far and incorporating new initiatives.

NHS Blood and Transplant (as the UK Organ Donation and Transplantation organisation) together with the four UK health departments have led the development of the new strategy. This is an ambitious strategy for the UK developed in collaboration with stakeholders across the transplant and donation community (including – patient groups, professionals, voluntary groups, professional bodies, legal and ethical organisations, staff and the public). The new strategy will look to achieve a revolution in attitudes to organ donation across the UK and a collaboration to continue to evolve the excellent practice that made the 50% increase possible.

Speakers: 

Sally Johnson – Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant

Dr Paul Murphy – National Clinical Lead for Organ donation, NHS Blood and Transplant

Dr James Neuberger – Associate Medical Director of Organ Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant