Organ Donation Week 2026 runs from Monday 21 September to Sunday 27 September, marking 32 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register. In partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, L&G is encouraging people across the UK to take just two minutes to record their organ donation decision – a simple action that could help save or transform the lives of up to nine people.
The call comes as NHS Blood and Transplant moves into an urgent response for organ donation for the first time, reflecting the significant challenges currently facing organ donation and transplantation in the UK.
More than 8,700 people are currently waiting for a transplant, while donor numbers have fallen by 9% year-on-year. In addition, more than 700 potential donations have been lost because of uncertainty over a loved one’s wishes, highlighting the importance of deciding.
The latest figures highlight the life-changing impact of organ donation:
- More than 8,700 people are currently waiting for a transplant.
- There were 2,127 missed opportunities for a transplant.
- More than 700 potential donations were lost due to uncertainty over a loved one’s wishes.
- Family consent for organ donation has fallen by almost a fifth over the past five years.
- Nine people die every week while waiting for a transplant.
- Each donor can potentially save up to nine lives.
While millions of people have already recorded their wishes, making a decision and sharing it with your family can make a real difference. Families are always involved before donation takes place, and almost 90% supported donation when they knew their loved one had recorded their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
It takes just two minutes to make your decision clear. Whether you choose to donate or not, recording your decision means your wishes will be known.
Why your decision matters
Organ donations can have an extraordinary impact. One donor can potentially save or significantly improve the lives of several people through organ transplantation.
However, family consent for organ donation has fallen by almost a fifth over the past five years. NHSBT has also reported that more than 700 potential donations have been lost because of uncertainty over a loved one’s wishes. Families are more likely to support donations when they know what their loved one wanted, making it important to have a conversation about your decision.
Recording your decision is therefore only part of the process. Talking to your family about what you want can help ensure they understand and can respect your wishes, potentially helping to avoid missed opportunities for donation.
Start the conversation
Talking about organ donation doesn’t have to be difficult or formal. L&G and NHS Blood and Transplant have put together practical guidance to help people start the conversation:
- Make your decision: Take two minutes to consider your wishes and record your decision.
- Talk to your family: Let your loved ones know what you’ve decided and why.
- Answer questions: If family members have concerns, use trusted sources such as the NHS Organ Donation website to understand the facts.
- Keep talking: Conversations about organ donation can happen naturally, whether over dinner, on a journey somewhere or during a family get-together.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
“We are facing one of the most challenging periods for organ donation in over a decade. The sharp decline in donors and the rising number of people waiting for a transplant need urgent action.”
“We have already adapted significantly to changes in the donation environment. But saving lives and reducing the waiting list needs collective effort across the NHS and society.”
“There is a simple action the public can take to help save lives. Please sign the NHS Organ Donor Register. Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one but opportunities to save lives are being lost because families didn’t know what their loved ones wanted. Leave them certain.”
“It takes two minutes to confirm an organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Each donor can potentially save up to nine lives. Visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23, or use the NHS App.”
For more information on registering your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donation website or the L&G Organ Donation Guide: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/talking-to-children-about-organ-donation/
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-sitting-at-the-table-6148873/
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