Organ donor targets reached but shortage remains

The number of people on the NHS organ donor register (ODR) will pass the 16 million mark for the first time this week but experts have warned there is still a shortage of donors in the UK.

The health service has confirmed the target set by the government in 2001 to double the number of people on the national donor register by 2010 has been achieved early.

Despite the fact over a quarter of the UK population have now agreed to donate their organs, more donors are still required, experts claim.

At present over 8,000 people are waiting to receive a transplant and health professionals warn the figure is steadily increasing, with around 1,000 people predicted to die while waiting for a transplant this year.

As a result, NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT) has called on more people to join the ODR as well as encourage their friends and family.

Lynda Hamlyn, chief Executive of NHSBT, said in a statement: “Reaching 16 million on the NHS organ donor register a year before planned is testament to the support that exists for donation in the UK.

“More than [a] quarter of the population have demonstrated their commitment by signing the register.”