The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) has achieved outstanding success in organ donation over the past year, helping to save and transform lives across Northern Ireland.

Between April 1 2025 and March 31 2026, the Trust said they facilitated nine organ donors, resulting in 19 patients receiving life-saving or life-changing transplants.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: This achievement reflects the generosity of donors and their families, alongside the dedication and professionalism of staff supporting organ donation across the Trust.

These results place the Trust at a ‘gold standard’ level when compared with the performance of Trust’s across the UK.

Western Trust Achieves ‘Gold Standard’ in Organ Donation, Saving and Transforming Lives.

placeholder image — Western Trust Achieves ‘Gold Standard’ in Organ Donation, Saving and Transforming Lives.

Dr Michelle Fallon, Clinician Lead for Organ Donation at the Western Trust, said: “Firstly, I want to thank our organ donors and their families who have ultimately helped to save and transform many lives. Your generosity at such a difficult time is truly remarkable.

“We are incredibly proud of the contribution of our Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation, our ICU colleagues and all staff who support this work. It requires compassion, professionalism and close partnership with families at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

“Every donor has the potential to save or transform multiple lives, and we are very grateful to all those who have supported organ donation decisions over the past year.”

Dr Fallon continued: “Organ donation remains a vital part of healthcare. Demand for transplants continues to grow, with thousands of people across the UK currently waiting. Sadly, some patients die while waiting for a transplant.

“Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one, yet you are more likely to need a transplant than to become a donor. It is important therefore to record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Families are more likely to support donation if they know your wishes, and registering only takes a few minutes. One donor can save up to nine lives and transform many more through tissue donation.

“Becoming an organ donor is your decision. Even with ‘opt-out’ legislation, family support remains essential. When families are aware of your wishes, it can make decision making less stressful and provide comfort at a very difficult time.

“Talking about organ donation with your loved ones is important. Sharing your decision openly can not only help ensure your wishes are respected, but may also encourage others to consider joining the Organ Donor Register.

“We need more people across the Western Trust area to record their decision. It could make the difference between life and death for someone else.”

Commenting on the outstanding performance of Trust staff in the area of organisation over the past 12 months, the Trust Board Chairman Tom Frawley recorded his thanks and appreciation to our staff in both Altnagelvin and South West Acute Hospital. He said “achieving outstanding engagement with potential donors was a tribute to all staff who were involved in what is a challenging and complex process.”

He also thanked the families who had responded selflessly, reflecting the generosity of the communities living in the geography served by the Trust. Our challenge now, he said, was to maintain our focus going forward. "It is the best thing you will do today.”

To register as a donor go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk or www.organdonationni.info or call 0300 123 23 23.