282 organ transplants took place in 2023

The HSE Organ Donation Transplant Ireland Office (ODTI) is pleased to report that 282* organ transplants took place in 2023, thanks to the selflessness of 95 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families in Ireland. 

HSE ODTI encourages everyone to talk to loved ones about organ donation to make your intentions known. As we celebrate the lives saved by transplants this year, we also remember that most organ donations can only proceed when another person donates after their death.

When John Burns’ younger brother received an organ it inspired his older brother to become an organ donor, which gave the gift of life to three other people after he died. John explains why this conversation is so important:

“Our organs work in concert to give each of us an orchestra of life experiences. Our lives become unique, irreplaceable, and leave indelible legacies after we die. Organs serve us through life.

When it is our time to die, these organs may have still life in them to give. We could have the opportunity to give the greatest gifts to others who need these organs to sustain their life journeys that are not ready for conclusion. 

Have that conversation with your loved ones and ensure they know you wish to become an organ donor. There is no greater gift.”

Number of organ donations and transplants in 2023 (YTD)

Up to Thursday 28th December

• Number of Deceased Donors: 95
• Number of Living Donors: 30
• Total: 125

Type of Transplant

• Kidney: 191
• Heart: 7
• Lung: 24
• Liver: 54
• Pancreas: 6
• Total: 282*

On behalf of ODTI, Dr Catherine Motherway, Organ Donation Lead, thanked the donors and their families. She said:

"It is sometimes hard to convey our gratitude to our donors. The gift of life given during a time of grief and loss is humbling. The generosity of our donors both living and deceased and their families transforms the lives of our transplant recipients. Organ donation and transplantation saves and changes lives.

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

From all of us who work in organ donation and transplantation, it is our honour to work with our donors and donor families to carry out their wishes. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tá siad go léir inár gcuid smaointe agus paidreacha.”

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, said:

“Organ donation is 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.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to those donors, families, and dedicated staff who made these transplants possible.

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. 

I encourage everyone to talk to your loved ones about organ donation to make your intentions known. It important for them to know your wishes, to help them should they have to make a decision in a time of great sadness and loss.

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

See Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland for more information and #HaveThatConversation and #OrganDonationSavesLives on social media.