Latest news and events

There are now over one million people in Northern Ireland registering their decision to be considered a potential organ donor after death. 

From 1 June 2023, all adults in Northern Ireland will be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.

Families urged to talk about organ donation and register their decision as many patients wait for a lifesaving transplant

17 transplanted patients from Northern Ireland are attending the British Transplant Games as part of the Transplant Sport Northern Ireland team. 

The Public Health Agency has launched a new public awareness campaign to prepare people for the introduction of Dáithí’s Law from next spring 2023.

On World Kidney Day, everyone is encouraged to talk about their organ donation decision, and to consider living kidney donation.

The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, which passed the final stage of consideration in the Assembly today, will be known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ in recognition of five-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.

Saturday 11 December is Organ Donation Discussion Day. A day which encourages everyone to think about organ donation, register a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and to talk about that decision with loved ones.

On Monday 20 September the Minister for Health, Robin Swann, opened the debate in Stormont for the second reading of the “Organ and Tissue (Deemed Consent) Bill”. The session concluded with the Assembly passing a milestone vote allowing the law to move into the next phase of the legislative process.

Today (Monday 20 September) marks the start of Organ Donation Week, a national celebration of organ and tissue donation and transplantation which saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year.

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to talk to their loved ones about organ donation as he launches a consultation on an opt-out system.