Organ Donation End of Year Statement 2022

- 250 organ transplants took place in 2022 -

#HaveThatConversation

#OrganDonationSavesLives

The HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI) is pleased to report today (Thursday, 29th December 2022) that 250 organ transplants have taken place this year thanks to the selflessness of 86 deceased and 33 living organ donors and their families. 

Across the three national transplant centres, 163 kidney, 10 heart, 18 lung, 51 liver and 8 pancreas transplants were completed. This includes kidney transplants from 33 living donors.

As we celebrate the lives that have been saved by transplants this year, we also remember that most organ donations can only proceed when another person donates after their death.

Organ Donation and Transplant figures 2022:

Reflecting on the year, Dr Catherine Motherway, Clinical Lead, HSE Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland spoke about the profound impact that organ donation has on both recipients and donor families. She said, “At the end of each year, those of us who work in organ donation and transplantation wish to acknowledge our donors, both living and deceased. They are the very essence or our transplant programmes. It is sometimes hard to convey how much we appreciate their gift.

“Behind each figure in this report are lives transformed by a transplant by virtue of the enormous generosity of families who, in the most difficult circumstances, honour their loved ones wishes by choosing to donate their organs. Each and every time we are humbled by the courage shown by our donor families. This time of year we all remember those we have lost. We hope that our donor families may find comfort and some consolation in knowing that their gift has saved and changed the lives of others.

“On behalf of ODTI, intensive care staff, transplant teams, and transplant recipients, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and sympathy to the donor families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Míle buíochas libh go léir.”

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, said, “Organ donation is an act of altruism, often made at times of great sadness and grief, which provides the recipients of donated organs with the gift of a new life. As we look back on this year, we must remember that behind each of the 119 donations and 250 transplants that have taken place in 2022 are donors, recipients, and families whose lives have been changed forever.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those families who have made the selfless decision to donate their loved ones’ organs, as well as the dedicated staff who make organ donation and transplantation possible.

“The hard work and professionalism of staff in Intensive Care Units, Transplant Centres, and in HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, is an integral part of ensuring that, whenever possible, the loss of one precious life can transform many others through organ donation.

“At any one time, around 500 people are waiting for a transplant. The publication of the Human Tissue Bill last month represents an important step forward in trying to save more lives by increasing the donor pool in Ireland, while ensuring that the wishes of a deceased person and their next of kin remain central to any decision about organ donation.

“I would encourage families across the country to talk to your loved ones about organ donation and its role in saving lives. By having that conversation, you and your family members can make your wishes known.”

Transplant recipient, Patrick Eustace, said, “I received a life changing kidney organ transplant 25 years ago as a child from an unknown donor. I’ve been incredibly lucky, and extremely grateful, that it has allowed me to live a totally normal life since. My thoughts are always with the donor family who made such an altruistic decision in what must have been a very dark space for them.

“Organ donation can offer, either in the times of darkness or through the living donor program, a chance to beget new life to our friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. It can offer a young girl or boy an opportunity at life that they might not otherwise have had. 

“I would suggest that people have a conversation with their next of kin to ensure their immediate family are aware of their intentions regarding organ donation. It may seem like a difficult topic to broach with loved ones but it can give reassurance to their family members in the event of their untimely passing.”

The HSE’s ODTI is again joined this year by patients, donor families, and staff in their appeal to #HaveThatConversation.

For all the positive stories of successful transplant, sadly some patients do and will die each year while waiting for a transplant.

Organ donation saves lives and we encourage the public to share their views on organ donation with their families and loved ones so that their wishes are made known.

See hse.ie/organdonation for more information and #HaveThatConversation and #OrganDonationSavesLives on social media.