Government backs recommendations to improve system of organ transplant to save lives

A new report: Honouring the gift of donation – utilising organs for transplant, produced by the Organ Utilisation Group, has set out recommendations designed to make sure as many donated organs as possible are used to save the lives of people on the waiting list; recommendations that have been welcomed by the UK government.

There are currently an estimated 7,000 patients on the active transplant list and on average, at least one person dies every day waiting for an organ. Often organs are not properly utilised and there can be varying standards of performance and patient care across transplant centres. Cystic Fibrosis Trust have a Hope for More Campaign where we're campaigning for fairer transplantation systems, continuing to raise awareness of issues around transplantation and encouraging families to have conversations about being organ donors.

The new report sets out a review of current practice in transplant care and recommendations to improve patient experience, the matching of organs to recipients and to make sure the NHS is using the most modern technology available. Additionally, a review of heart and lung services is due to take place, to make sure there are enough clinicians in the right place at the right time to carry out transplants. The Trust will be engaging with the review to ensure the views of people affected by CF are represented.

David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “It is good to see this significant report on improving organ donation across the UK. Lung transplants, as well as other organs, such as the liver, are vital treatment options for some people with cystic fibrosis (CF), due to the irreparable damage that it causes. It is important that the voices of patients must be at the heart of what the NHS does, and we welcome the emphasis within the report on equity of access and experience of transplants in the UK so that everyone with cystic fibrosis can have access to the best treatment and care to live a life unlimited.”

The report recommends placing the patient at the centre of the service, developing better systems so that more organs are used and sharing best practice to raise standards across transplant centres.

The report also recommends a patient-led approach where patients and clinicians work together on how they can communicate more throughout the transplantation process. This will include better evaluation of the whole experience, including the emotional and psychological pressures of waiting for an organ, rather than just the clinical outcome. Additionally, regular feedback from transplant centres to help those on the transplant list to better understand the clinical options available to them and to help them make informed and evidence-based decisions was recommended, as well as more timely reviews if donated organs are declined.