Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
10 March 2017 08:04
411 patients have died in the past year while waiting for an organ transplant
Waiting times for kidney transplant patients have fallen significantly, health officials have said.
According to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the amount of time people in desperate need of a new kidney spend on the transplant waiting list has dropped by 18%.
Between 2004 and 2008, patients were waiting an average of 1,153 days before receiving their new organ. Between 2009 and 2013, the figure fell to 944 days.
Kidney transplant patients can arrange medical travel insurance for added peace of mind when travelling abroad.
World Kidney Day
NHSBT released the figures ahead of this year's World Kidney Day, a global event to raise awareness to the importance of kidneys while also encouraging people to sign up as organ donors.
Some 256 patients died while waiting for a kidney, or a kidney and another organ, since World Kidney Day in March 2016.
And around 5,200 people remain on waiting lists for a kidney, or a kidney and another organ.
However, NHSBT says organ donors have reached their highest ever levels, with 23.53 million people signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.
"We're encouraged that the number of people becoming donors has helped reduce how long desperately ill people wait before they receive a kidney transplant," said Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant's director of organ donation and transplantation.
But experts are warning there is still a severe shortage of donated organs.
Ms Johnson added: "Two and a half years is far too long to wait for a kidney and far too many people die without ever receiving the transplant they need.
"Organ donation saves lives and we urge people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and talk to their families about their decision."
19 August 2017
Fresh orange juice and leafy green superfoods like broccoli and kale could have a part to play in fighting cancer, according to a new study.
[more...]
18 August 2017
Relatives of older people receiving NHS care have raised concerns over some of the treatment.
17 August 2017
Older people are being "let down" when it comes to access to dental care, experts have warned.
16 August 2017
A charity has called for women who have been treated for breast cancer to be given better support once treatment ends.
15 August 2017
More people are being arrested over drunken behaviour on board flights and at airports, according to latest statistics.
12 August 2017
Labour has criticised the way in which cancer patients and their families have been treated under the Conservative Government.
11 August 2017
The precious metal, gold, is a familiar sight in jewellery adorning the body but it could also play a role in treating cancers that grow inside the body.
10 August 2017
Nashville is the capital of country and has for years attracted music-loving holidaymakers to its vibrant bars and venues.
09 August 2017
We've all seen self-driving cars in the news in recent years but would you step on board a passenger plane that didn't have a pilot?
08 August 2017
Marine experts have disagreed over the identity of the creatures that attacked the feet of a teenager who was relaxing in the sea in Australia.
05 August 2017
Medical bills which run into six-figure territory are "not uncommon" for British holidaymakers who end up needing emergency medical treatment abroad, travel insurers say.
04 August 2017
British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew will strike for a further two weeks this month, including the August bank holiday, in a long-running pay dispute.