25 April 07 - Record Number of People Waiting for An Organ TransplantDespite a record number of patients receiving a life-saving organ transplant last year, figures from UK Transplant show that the number of people waiting has reached an all time high. At the end of March, there were 7,234 patients on the waiting list - an increase of 8% on the previous year. 3,074 patients received a transplant in 2006-07, up 10% on the previous year. A further 1.1 million people also signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, increasing the total by the end of 2006/07 to more than 14.2 million. Commenting on these figures, Chris Rudge, UK Transplant Managing and Transplant Director, said: "The growth in transplant numbers is very welcome and a credit to the kindness of the organ donors, and their families, who make these life-saving operations possible. "We have invested in several hospital-based programmes in recent years to increase opportunities for donation, and these figures demonstrate that our strategy is helping more patients benefit from a transplant." He added: "This record number of transplants is a tribute to the dedication and immense efforts of staff in transplant units, while medical and nursing teams across the whole NHS also play a vital role throughout the overall transplantation process. "But the figures also show that more organ donors are desperately needed. The number of patients awaiting a transplant is greater than ever before and it is vital that if people wish to help others live after their death, they make their intentions known by talking to their families and joining the NHS Organ Donor Register." Rosie Winterton, Health Minister said: "Organ transplantation is one of the big success stories of modern medicine and I am delighted to see this increase in the number of operations performed. "However many more could have benefited if all those who wanted to donate had made their wishes known." These figures really highlight the importance of organ donation. Please think about signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can read more about this story on UK Transplant - click here
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