Hospital had highest number of liver transplant donors in UK last year
More patients donated their liver for transplantation at King's College Hospital than at any other hospital in the UK last year, figures have revealed.
In total, 235 patients at the south London hospital chose to donate their liver, and in some cases other organs, after their death to help others. Their actions saved the lives of hundreds of patients requiring a transplant, both at King's and at other hospitals across the country.
In addition, King's carried out the second highest number of liver transplants in the UK in 2018-19. In total, 209 transplants took place; 204 from deceased donors and five from living donors.
Mr Hector Vilca-Melendez, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon said, "Thanks to the altruism and generosity of our patients and their families, others have been given the greatest gift possible. When you see the transformative effect a transplant can have on a patient with very limited options you really appreciate the enormity of that gift."
To mark Organ Donation Week, which runs from 2-8 September, the King's College Hospital is urging people to have a conversation with their family about organ donation so that their wishes are known.
Natasha Manning, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at King's, said, "Raising the subject of organ donation with your family may not be easy but it's vitally important if you want to help others live after your death. I would encourage everyone to have these conversations ahead of time so your loved ones can ensure your wishes are honoured."
Despite the continued rise in the number of organ donors, figures consistently indicate lower consent rates and opt-in registrations to the organ donor register among black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. This has resulted in BAME patients waiting significantly longer than white patients to receive organ transplants because blood and tissue types need to match for a transplant to be successful. This is most likely to happen when donor and recipient are from the same ethnic background.
The Miradi-Lutmba family from Croydon, however, did decide to donate organs. Their six-year-old daughter Faustina, who had been cared for at King's, died from a lung condition in 2018. Her parents made the decision to donate some of her organs so that other children could live. Her father, Faustino, explained, "Faustina was waiting for organs herself for a long time and we went through all the difficult moments of a family waiting for organ transplantation. So when I was asked if Faustina's organs could be transplanted to other children who required them, I agreed. It was a difficult decision but we understood what other families may be going through."
He added, "There is still a big gap and a huge sadness in our lives as we miss Faustina dearly. Our other children are growing up and asking about her, which is difficult. However, life goes on but with memories of her dearly in our hearts. It's comforting to know that she has helped other children in need. We did not want to know who was getting the organs but amazing to know that part of her lives on and has helped sick children live a better life."
On Thursday 5 September, staff from King's will be taking part in the Walk to Westminster to help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
