'One of the most selfless gifts a person can give': 282 organ transplants carried out in 2023

Organ donors are honoured at the Irish Kidney Association service of remembrance. Picture: Conor McCabe

Thu, 28 Dec, 2023 - 20:15

Mairead Sheehy

There were 282 organ transplants carried out in Ireland this year from 95 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families.

The figures, collated by the HSE Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI), show that 191 kidneys, seven hearts, 24 lungs, 54 livers and six pancreases were donated.

ODTI has called upon those eager to donate to alert their loved ones of these wishes, as most organ donations can only proceed when a person donates after their death.

Organ donation lead Dr Catherine Motherway thanked the donors and their families, adding that it is often hard to convey their gratitude towards organ donors.

It is my hope that for our deceased donor families their decision to honour their loved one’s wish to donate will bring them comfort, especially at times like Christmas when the sense of loss can be so acute.

"Thanks to their decision, another person — often a stranger — can be saved and another family has the joy of sharing additional years with their loved one," she said.

Dr Catherine Motherway said recipients 'keep a very special place in their prayers and hearts for their donor and donor family'. Picture: Ray Ryan

"I know that all of our recipients keep a very special place in their prayers and hearts for their donor and donor family."

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly described the act of organ donation as "one of the most selfless gifts that a person can give".

This year 282 transplants were made possible through the altruism of donors and their families. As a result, other families across the country will have their loved ones here for another Christmas.

“We must also remember that sadly some patients do and will die each year while waiting for a transplant, and at any one time, around 500 people are waiting for a transplant," he said.

“Having that conversation also ensures wherever possible the loss of one precious life can be turned to benefit many others through donation.”