THE number of people living in Wales whose lives were saved or improved by an organ transplant increased by 24 per cent last year.
During 2015/16 – the final four months of which saw the implementation of Wales’ new opt-out organ donation system – 214 transplants took place, compared to 173 in 2014/15.
The figures are included in the latest organ donation and transplantation activity report, the first to be published since the new system was introduced last December.
It also reveals a seven per cent increase in the number of deceased donors in Wales (up to 64).
The number of donors after brain death increased by 13 per cent, to to 36, while the number of donors after circulatory death remained the same at 28.
The number of living donors in Wales increased by 20 per cent, to 49.
There was a five per cent increase (to 136) in the number of people who had their sight restored through a cornea transplant.
Wales is the first part of the UK to change to an opt-out system of organ donation, also called deemed consent.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel