Organ donor error sparks review

12 Apr 2010

A review will be launched into the data error which incorrectly recorded the organ donation wishes of around 800,000 people.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said he deeply regretted the upset caused to grieving families who were misinformed about what consent had been given by their relatives.

The NHS will contact around 20 affected families after an investigation showed that 45 individuals had died since the false information was stored.

Professor Sir Gordon Duff of Sheffield University will conduct the review.

Mr Burnham said: "I have asked Professor Sir Gordon Duff to carry out a review to find out why this has happened, prevent mistakes like this being made again and ensure all necessary steps are taken to maintain confidence in the organ donor register.

"I have asked NHS Blood and Transplant to take immediate steps to identify and contact all affected families. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible."

Donors can give permission for any of their organs to be taken, or provide more specific agreements.

Many donors have strong views about what can be taken. Often consent is not given for eyes to be removed, or bodies to be used in medical research.

But the distinctions were altered in 1999, after details held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - which includes a request for consent in applications for a driving licence - was transferred to the organ registry.