There have been 263 organ transplants in Ireland this year thanks to organ donors, and one Cork man who benefited from a double transplant described the donation as an “incredible gift”.
William Mills, from Mallow, received both a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2022.
“'Thanks to the donor's organs, me and three other people were able to live a normal life. This is a wonderful gift given to us,'” he said.
“Make today the day you talk to your loved ones about organ donation. Your decision to become a donor can save many lives.”
The Irish Kidney Association cautiously welcomed the HSE's update, but noted a slowdown from last year.
“With 263 transplants from 84 deceased donors and 30 living kidney donors, the number of transplants in 2024 will be 265 transplants from 95 deceased donors and the same number of 30 living kidney donors. “This is lower than last year, when more transplants were carried out,” the spokesperson said.
“So rather than developing additional transplant capacity, we seem to be losing ground.”
Data from the HSE's Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland Office showed that the transplants involved 84 deceased organ donors and 30 living organ donors and their families.
Last year, 175 kidney, 9 heart, 13 lung, 40 liver, and 4 pancreas transplants were completed across the three national transplant centers.
This includes kidney transplants from 30 living donors, the HSE said. There were a total of 114 donors.
“Some donated organs may not have a match in Ireland. In the spirit of ensuring the gift of life is passed on, these will be donated to other countries where suitable recipients will benefit. “The spokesperson explained.
Dr Catherine Motherway, HSE Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, thanked the donors and their families on behalf of ODTI.
“Each year, our organ donors, both living and deceased, continue to embody the best of humanity by providing the ultimate gift of life,” she said.
“On behalf of all of us who serve alongside donors, donor families, transplant recipients, and those awaiting organ transplants, it is my honor to express our gratitude and admiration for all of us.”
She described the gift of organ donation as “truly life-saving.”
“These numbers represent so many lives that have been affected. Organ donation is like a stone falling into water, and many ripples arise from that act of kindness,” she said.
She added in English and Irish: “They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “Organ donation can transform the lives of organ donors and their families.”
He expressed his gratitude to the donor, his family, and the staff who worked hard to make the transplant possible.
“Because of you, other families are still with their loved ones,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, and several patients die each year while waiting for a transplant. There are between 500 and 600 people on the transplant waiting list at any given time.”
The Human Tissue Act 2024 will come into force next year. This will result in “deemed consent.” This means people will be considered donors unless they register as not wanting to be a donor.
“This legislation will expand avenues for living and altruistic organ donation,” he said.
