Living organ donors play a crucial role in saving lives. However, their pre and post operative care is often overlooked, leading to unnecessary complications and distress.

According to NHS Blood & Transplant, there are over 7,000 people on waiting lists for organs (as of 2024). In the financial year to March 31st 2023, the number of living donors increased by 2% to 958 (compared with prior year), accounting for 40% of overall organ donation. 

Despite this significant contribution, many living donors report feeling neglected or inadequately cared for during their recovery process. We call upon healthcare providers and policymakers to review current practices and implement reforms that prioritise the health and wellbeing of these selfless individuals.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Counselling sessions with the hospital’s renal counsellor/general psychologist offered post-surgery
• More information supplied to GPs regarding immediate post-surgery health and long-term health, to enable them to better support donors
• Guaranteed annual reviews with the renal team indefinitely, with the option of face to face or virtual/telephone dictated by the donor
• Recording and central collation of post-surgery issues by all NHS trusts which can be used to better inform potential donors of risks outside of kidney failure and death
• Physiotherapy guidance before discharge on building up core muscles post-surgery and returning to exercise
• A booklet on aftercare;
o In the immediate, what issues to look out for, how to manage trapped wind and constipation, how to care for wounds/scars and how to prevent an incisional hernia etc
o Longer term, how to stay healthy with one kidney, guidance on fluid intake, foods/nutrients to avoid, the importance of an annual review etc
• Agreed timeline for immediate post-surgery follow up once discharged, across all NHS trusts
• A national ‘buddy system’ whereby potential living donors can speak in confidence with a living donor of similar circumstance i.e. age, family, etc

By signing this petition you are advocating for improved care standards that honor the courage of living donors.