There were more than 200 organ transplants carried out in Ireland in 2021, the HSE has confirmed.
According to a report by the Journal, as of 29 December, 203 organ transplants were performed this year, up from 190 in 2020, and down from 274 transplants in 2019.
The majority of transplants were kidney this year, which accounts for 137 cases. Other transplants include 34 liver, 10 heart, 20 lung and 2 pancreas.
Ninety-nine donors were involved in the process – 64 people who had died and 35 living donors.
Commenting on the news, the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said, “I want to express my thanks to these families, and hope they can take some solace in the relief and joy brought to the 203 organ recipients and their families and friends.”
He also added that organ donation is among the most selfless gifts we can give another.
Over 600 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in Ireland. This includes patients on dialysis awaiting kidney transplants and patients waiting for lung, heart and liver transplants. While some kidney donations can take place through the living donation programme, all other organ donations can only proceed if a deceased donor is involved.