A total of 64 donations saved lives in 2023/24.
The 2022 organ and tissue donation (deemed consent) Act (Northern Ireland) is known as the 7-year-old “Daychee Law,” but came into effect on June 1, 2023, and people are donors. Requests you to opt out of that. I oppose opting in.
As of last week, there have been 60 organ donations since the law was rolled out.
Daichi's father, Martin, said that by celebrating the first anniversary of Dati's law, “we fill our family with pride and gratitude.”
“It felt like we moved the mountains to help implement this new law, and it's hard to believe it's already been a year since it came into effect,” he added.
“This journey has sometimes seemed impossible, but I am extremely proud of our part in implementing it. Knowing that our boy's name saves lives. is an incredible heritage.
“This day shows that Dáithí is six years on the waiting list for the port, which is also a celebration of our family as we are still grateful to be here.
“We want to encourage people to continue to participate in the organ donor register on this day and share their organ donation decisions, and families will make that courageous decision. , and wants to join the register as a family regardless of age.
“We are spreading our sincere gratitude to all the people who donated and to the donor families who are the superheroes themselves. The hope they bring to families like us is the greatest gift of everything. ”
Stormont's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomes the increase.
“The latest data highlights the continued positive impact of organ donations on life saving. In total, 64 organ donors from NI saved 158 lives in 2023/24. , 79 patients have undergone life-saving transplants from here,” he said.
“To see the rise in the number of donors and families helping organ donate is very positive and gives hope to those who are in great need for life-saving transplants.
“At the heart of organ donation and transplantation are organ donors and their families who support the decisions they make when they face the worst news. We are committed to our decisions. I am forever grateful to the organ donor and their families.”
Daichi has been battling dysplasia left heart syndrome (HLHS) since birth, and is increasingly dependent on wheelchairs and oxygen when waiting periods for heart transplant donors continue.
The West Belfast boy has been on the waiting list for a transplant since 2018 and, together with his parents, Martin and Seph, promoted the Donation 4dáithí Campaign, which helped raise awareness of organ donation.
Despite being allowed to move on, Daichi's law was delayed after the executive collapsed in February 2022, before it was settled in Westminster.
Football legend Alan Shearer has become the latest famous figure to win the campaign behind after hoping to be appointed hospital in April.
The Ministry of Health said support for organ donation in Northern Ireland is very high at 90%, with 93% of people agreeing that organ donation is a gift of life to those who receive it .
The number of people registering decisions in the NHS organ donor register has also increased from 53% in 2022/23 to 56% in 2023/24.
Currently, 1,053,541 people here have registered a decision to donate organs, including more than 38,000 since the law changed, if possible.
Approximately 10,000 of these were recorded in January to March only this year.
“Looking at the latest data here to prove the ongoing support for organ donors that are family-supported during extremely difficult times,” said Aidan Dawson, chief executive of the Public Health Agency. It's very encouraging.”
Although the organ donation law is currently being changed, it is important for people to know that if organ donation is possible, they still have options and will be consulted by their families. Continuing to register decisions on the NHS organ donor register and talking to your family is the best way to help your family support your decision. ”
