A total of 263 organ transplants were carried out this year, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE), ahead of organ donation reform coming into effect next year.
The HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI) commended “the selflessness of 84 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families” who made the transplants possible.
Among the operations carried out this year across the three national centres were 175 kidney transplants, 40 liver transplants, 13 lung transplants, nine heart transplants and four pancreas transplants. Some organs did not have a suitable match in Ireland, the ODTI said, with 22 transplanted overseas.
Noting that, at any time, between 500-600 people are on transplant waiting lists, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said some patients die each year while waiting for a transplant.
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He said the commencement of the Human Tissue Act 2024 next year will help increase the donor pool in Ireland “while always fully respecting the wishes of people and their families”.
The Act will introduce “deemed consent”, with the option for people to opt-out if they would prefer not to donate their organs.
“Families will continue to be consulted ahead of donation. That is why it’s important that you talk to your loved ones about organ donation and make your intentions known,” Mr Donnelly said. “Having that conversation now can give your loved ones clarity and peace of mind should they find themselves faced with the decision to donate.”
Dr Catherine Motherway, clinical lead of the ODTI, thanked the 114 donors and their families, saying they continue to embody “the best of humanity by giving the ultimate gift of life.”
William Mills, from Mallow, Co Cork, who recieved kidney and pancreas transplants in 2022, said his donor helped him and three others “to live a normal life”.
“One decision to become a donor can save many lives,” he said.
Noting that transplant figures are lower than last year when 282 were carried out in the Republic and abroad through 95 deceased donors and 30 living donors, the Irish Kidney Association said “it would appear we are losing ground rather than developing additional transplant capacity.”
While describing the signing into law of the Human Tissue Act as an important development, a commencement date is awaited, it said.
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