Organ Donation Week 2026 runs from Monday 21st September – Sunday 27th September, marking 32 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register. In partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, Legal and General (L&G) is encouraging people across the UK to spend two minutes recording their organ donation decision. This brief action can save or transform the lives of up to nine people.
The appeal comes as NHS Blood and Transplant moves into an urgent response phase for organ donation for the first time, driven by unprecedented operational challenges in organ donation and transplantation across the UK.
More than 8,700 people are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, while donor numbers have fallen by 9% year on year. In addition, more than 700 potential organ donations were lost because of family uncertainty surrounding a loved one’s final wishes. These missed opportunities highlight the need for clear individual decisions.
Recent medical data outlines the critical scale and impact of the current donation shortfall
- More than 8,700 people are currently waiting for a transplant.
- There were 2,127 missed opportunities for a transplant.
- More than 700 potential donations were lost due to uncertainty over a loved one’s wishes.
- Family consent for organ donation has fallen by almost a fifth over the past five years.
- Nine people die every week while waiting for a transplant.
- Each donor can potentially save up to nine lives.
While millions of UK residents have already registered, confirming their choices and discussing them with family remains vital. Relatives are always consulted before procedures take place, and almost 90% of families support donation when they know their relative logged their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Registering takes two minutes, and recording a preference ensures personal wishes are respected regardless of the choice made.
Why having a decision matters
Organ donation delivers an extraordinary medical impact, allowing a single donor to save or significantly improve multiple lives. However, family consent has fallen by nearly a fifth over five years, contributing to hundreds of lost donation opportunities. Relatives are far more likely to support donation when clear preferences have been expressed.
Recording a choice on the register is only the first step. Open conversations help ensure family members understand and respect those wishes, reducing the risk of missed transplant opportunities.
Guidance for starting the conversation
Discussing organ donation does not need to feel formal or difficult. L&G and NHS Blood and Transplant recommend four simple steps
- Make your decision: Take two minutes to consider your choices and register your decision online.
- Talk to your family: Tell loved ones what you have decided and explain your reasons.
- Answer questions: Address family concerns using verified information from trusted sources such as the NHS Organ Donation website.
- Keep talking: Introduce the subject naturally during everyday moments, such as family meals, travel, or informal gatherings.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are facing one of the most challenging periods for organ donation in over a decade. The sharp decline in donors and the rising number of people waiting for a transplant need urgent action.”
“We have already adapted significantly to changes in the donation environment. But saving lives and reducing the waiting list needs collective effort across the NHS and society.”
“There is a simple action the public can take to help save lives. Please sign the NHS Organ Donor Register. Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one but opportunities to save lives are being lost because families didn’t know what their loved ones wanted. Leave them certain.”
“It takes two minutes to confirm an organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Each donor can potentially save up to nine lives. Visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23, or use the NHS App.”
Further guidance on registering decisions is available on the official NHS Organ Donation website and through the L&G Organ Donation Guide.