Scottish Donation and Transplant Group written update: December 2023

Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

Update given by: 

• Jessica Porter, Head of Regulation, Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

Travelling for transplantation

We continue to encourage all transplant units to contact the HTA early for advice and guidance relating to complex cases, particularly those involving non-UK resident donors.

The HTA and NHSBT have provided some updated guidance and information for both clinicians and patients on travelling for transplantation. The information is available on the NHSBT website and will be available on the HTA website soon. These are:

• Guidance for healthcare professionals
• Guidance for patients and living donors

Clinicians are asked to continue to report all cases where a patient has travelled outside the UK for an organ transplant.

Living Donation

For the period between 1 August to 31 October 2023, we have assessed forty-three living organ donation cases where the transplant was due to take place in Scotland.

Seventeen of these cases were for donors and recipients taking part in the National Kidney Sharing Scheme.