Living donor organ transplant is NI first

Neither party can be named, but it is understood the child successfully received a kidney from the living donor during the first week in June.

Dr Mairead Convery, consultant paediatric nephrologist said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first centre in the UK or Ireland to be able to perform a living donor transplant.

‘‘There were many tiers we had to go through to get this arranged as we had to take careful consideration of the risks and benefits to the patients and their donors who are giving the most amazing gift that could ever be given, especially to a child.”

“Many children on the transplant list need dialysis on a daily basis and this places a huge burden on them and their families.

‘‘It was very important to work on this to benefit the families and improve the quality of live for the children we care for. It is great to say we in Northern Ireland were the first to take this huge step.”

A spokesperson for Belfast Trust added ‘‘Inspired by the successful work undertaken by our adult Renal and Nephrology service increasing deceased donor transplants during Covid-19, the paediatric team are incredibly proud to have reached this stage.

‘‘Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust took steps to make sure we could proceed safely to protect our patients and staff.

‘‘The efforts of the public to socially distance, stay at home and reduce the strain on the health service were vital to ensuring we had to capacity to deliver this service for patients who needed it the most.’’

The Trust spokesperson added: ‘‘As the donor was an adult this achievement is a result of collaboration between our paediatric team and those in the adult service at Belfast City Hospital, ensuring a smooth process.’’

A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit this page now to subscribe, it is just £1 a month for the first three months. 
Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Alistair Bushe
Editor