Hundreds of families across England block the donation of organs from deceased relatives, despite the deceased having chosen to sign the Organ Donation Register.
Over the last five years, organs from 505 registered donors were not made available to people who needed a transplant because relatives objected to the donation.
NHS estimates showed that across England, 457 people died last year whilst waiting for a transplant. The number of deceased potential donors was 1,413, but 91 opportunities for donation were blocked by families. The NHS hopes to prevent these “overrides” by encouraging willing donors to discuss the matter with their families.
