COVID pandemic causes drastic slump in number of kidney transplants
Around 1,100 fewer people received a kidney to previous figures
It has been found that the number of kidney transplants undertaken in the UK fell sharply during the COVID pandemic compared to previous years.
The NHS' Blood and Transplant department (NHSBT) published a new report on Thursday (March 10th) which showed that there was a fall of 32% in kidney transplants compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In total, 1,100 fewer patients received a kidney in the year 2020/21, compared to the previous twelve months.
Currently, there are 4,600 people in the UK on the waiting list for a new kidney according to the latest data - including 98 children.
In addition to the slump, some patients were temporarily suspended from the waiting list, as the medicine to stop the body from rejecting the new kidney would make them more vulnerable to catching coronavirus.
Now that the UK is emerging from the COVID pandemic, the NHSBT has said that the number of those waiting for a transplant will increase.
Officials believe that once waiting lists have been rectified, around 7,000 people will be in need of organ transplant surgery - three quarters of which needing a kidney.
The report was published on World Kidney Day, as part of a push to get people on the organ donor register.
Figures released showed that 'living' donors - where someone undergoes surgery to remove a kidney - dropped by 60% between 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Deceased donors who consented to having their kidneys be used after their death also fell by 22% on the previous year's figures.
Speaking about the initiative, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, Anthony Clarkson said that it was important to consider opting into the donor register.
"We know the pandemic is a very worrying time for kidney patients as thousands of people, including children, wait for a life-changing kidney transplant," he said.
"We're pleased that transplant activity is now recovering and we're doing everything we can to enable as many transplants as possible to take place as quickly as possible.
"Sadly patients are facing a longer wait and more people need a kidney transplant, so it is more important than ever to share your organ donation decision with your family to help others after your death.
"And if anyone is willing to consider living kidney donation, they can find out more on our website."