A total of 263 organ transplants were carried out this year, according to the Health Executive (HSE), ahead of organ donation reforms that come into force next year.
The HSE's Office for Organ Donation and Transplantation Ireland (ODTI) praised the “selflessness of the 84 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families” who made the transplants possible.
Of the surgeries performed at the three national centers this year, there were 175 kidney transplants, 40 liver transplants, 13 lung transplants, nine heart transplants, and four pancreas transplants. ODTI said some of the organs were not compatible in Ireland, so 22 were transplanted overseas.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly pointed out that there are between 500 and 600 people on the transplant waiting list at any given time, and said some patients die each year while waiting for a transplant.
He said the Human Tissue Act 2024, coming into force next year, would help increase Ireland's donor pool “while always fully respecting the wishes of people and their families”.
The law introduces “deemed consent” and gives people the option to opt out if they do not want to donate their organs.
“Family consultation continues prior to donation, which is why it is important to talk to your loved ones about organ donation and let them know your intentions,” Mr Donnelly said. “Having this conversation now will give your loved ones clarity and peace of mind should they ever have to make a donation decision.”
Dr Catherine Motherway, ODTI's Clinical Director, thanked the 114 donors and their families, saying they continue to embody “the best of humanity by giving the ultimate gift of life”. He said there was.
William Mills, from Mallow, Co. Cork, who received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2022, said the donor had enabled him and three others to “live a normal life”.
“The simple decision to become a donor can save many lives,” he says.
The Kidney Association of Ireland noted that the number of transplants was lower than last year, when 282 were carried out within and outside the Republic through 95 deceased donors and 30 living donors, adding: “Rather than developing additional transplant capacity, “In fact, it seems like they are losing ground.''
While the signing of the Human Tissue Act is an important development, a start date is awaited, the report said.
