Current Issues

NHSBT Statement on Kidney Transplants at Royal Liverpool Hospital

Dr James Neuberger, NHSBT Associate Medical Director, said: "We extend our sympathy to the patients and their families in this situation, but would stress that this is uncommon and that everything possible is always done to reduce the risk of any transmissible diseases.

"There are no other transplant recipients in this case.

"NHSBT is co-ordinating an investigation with the donor and recipient hospitals to find out exactly what took place and to identify if any lessons can be learned.

"When patients are registered for a transplant they are given a full explanation of the risks surrounding transplantation. No transplant is risk free, but we do everything we can to make sure that any organ offered up for transplant is tested and deemed fit for transplant.

"A full medical history of the donor is always obtained from the medical notes and from talking to the donor's family as well as virology screening by a blood test. Tests are also undertaken to ascertain how well the organs are functioning. This takes account of their cause of death, documented medical history and lifestyle and information gained through talking to relatives and the donor's family doctor. The surgeons at retrieval will also examine the organs to check for any signs of damage or disease in a bid to minimise the risks of communicable diseases.

"A transplant may be the only possible treatment for some people, who would die without one. In a situation where there are not nearly enough organs available for the number of transplants required, it often comes down to a balance of risk and benefit. Guidance is available that sets out the risks and benefits of when an organ should be used. Ultimately this is a decision for the clinician, the patient and their family."

Ends

For further information contact the NHSBT press office on 0117 969 2444 or out of hours on 07659 133583.

Notes:

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a Special Health Authority in the NHS. It is the organ donor organisation for the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs. Its remit also includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS.

No other organs or tissue were transplanted from the donor.

22 March 2011