Irish Hearts 18 heart transplants were carried out in Ireland in 2018

2018 was a strong year for organ donation and transplants in Ireland

A total of 18 heart transplant operations were carried out in Ireland last year, according to the latest figures.

According to HSE Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI), an office dedicated to saving and improving lives by improving organ donation rates in Ireland, 2018 was a strong year for organ donation and transplant surgery.

In 2018, 80 families of those who passed away courageously and generously agreed to donate their loved ones' organs to save the lives of others. Of the 80 donors, many donated multiple organs, resulting in a total of 231 transplant surgeries being completed. 120 kidney, 18 heart, 27 lung, 56 liver and five pancreas surgeries were completed across the three national transplant centers. In addition, living donors provided kidneys, improving the lives of 37 patients this year.

Reflecting on the past year, ODTI Director Professor Jim Egan paid tribute and gratitude to the families who chose to donate their organs and save the lives of others in the country.

“Following record transplant numbers in 2017, 2018 has seen a consistently high rate of organ donation and transplantation. This reflects the generosity of Irish society and the expertise of our intensive care, operating theatre, medical and nursing staff. Organ donation saves lives and we will continue to promote it,” Professor Egan said.

Organ transplants are carried out at three national transplant centres in Dublin.

Beaumont Hospital performs kidney transplants and is also the national centre for living kidney donation, Matter University Hospital performs heart and lung transplants, and St Vincent's University Hospital performs liver and pancreas transplants.

New legislation governing organ donation in Ireland is due to be published by the Government in the next few months. This new bill will include provision for an “opt-out” system for organ donation for the first time in Ireland.