Shortage of organ donations led to 457 deaths last year, says NHS

Shortage of organ donations led to 457 deaths last year, says NHS Reluctance to talk about transplants leaves families unsure of potential donors’ wishes and a reluctance to donate

A reluctance to talk about transplants is contributing to a deadly shortage of organs donation, the NHS has said after figures revealed more than 450 patients waiting for a new organ died last year because families, unsure of their deceased relatives’ wishes, declined to donate.

NHS Blood and Transplant said an average of three families a week in the UK decided not to allow organ donation because they were unsure, or did not know whether their relatives would have wanted to donate an organ or not. Continue reading... The Guardian