Organ donation and transplantation
Organ transplantation is the best treatment for patients with end stage organ failure. The Human Tissue Authority regulates organ donation and transplantation across the UK under The Quality and Safety of Organs Intended for Transplantation Regulations 2012.
In practice all hospitals where organ transplants take place are audited and must be licensed to be able to undertake certain activities.
Licensed hospitals are required to meet the standards which are detailed in the HTA’s Framework document, which was produced following consultation with professionals already working in the field of organ donation and transplantation. Our regulation covers both procurement activities (including characterisation of the donor, characterisation of the organ, retrieval, preservation and transport of the organ) and transplantation activities (including organ characterisation, preservation, transport and implantation of the organ).
Living organ donation must be made with consent, and free of any duress, coercion or reward. This applies to any living donor or recipient resident in England, Wales and Scotland, and includes travelling anywhere in the world for transplant.
All cases of patients travelling outside the UK for transplantation must be reported.
For further information, please contact transplants@hta.gov.uk