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20
Jul 2021
Nearly 7,000 people waiting for life-saving transplants
Estimates by NHS Blood and Transplant show that almost 7,000 people are waiting for lifesaving transplants in the UK – the highest number in six years.
The analysis found that from April 2020 to March 2021, some key services closed during the first peak of the pandemic. However, researchers say that many were quickly reinstated and overall 80 per cent of NHS transplant work did take place.
The report stated that at the peak of the first wave there were concerns about safety caring for patients receiving transplants, as resources were diverted to other parts of the NHS. Judgements had to be made around the benefits and risks of patients undergoing major surgery, as people waiting for transplants can have compromised immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to infections. Some patients were therefore taken off the transplant list.
Researchers say many transplant centres are still dealing with the referral backlog and people are being put back on waiting lists.
NHS Blood and Transplant’s Professor John Forsythe, said that although it had been a worrying time for families, patients should be reassured that recovery was well underway.
He went on to say “With a great team effort across clinical teams, deceased organ donation and transplant activity continued for the most urgent patients during the first wave of Covid-19 and returned to pre-Covid levels quite rapidly, with July and August being record summer months for donation and transplantation.
“Each one of us in the wider clinical team of donation and transplant, across the UK, are immensely proud of the work to keep organ donation and transplants happening in the most challenging circumstances.
“But our commitment is nothing compared with donors and their families – the gift of life has been donated in the midst of a tragedy made even more difficult by Covid restrictions.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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