Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
775. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of transplant co-ordinators in the State; the number that would be required to move to a soft opt out system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transplant Coordinators are responsible for organising organ recipient coordination. There are 15 transplant co-ordinators based across the three national transplant centres as follows:
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is the centre for heart and lung transplants: 4 co-ordinators;
- St Vincent's University Hospital is the centre for liver and pancreas transplants: 7 co-ordinators;
- Beaumont Hospital is the centre for kidney transplants: 4 co-ordinators.
Best international practice recommends clear delineation between organ donor and organ recipient co-ordination. Therefore, in addition to the transplant coordinators, the staffing of the HSE's Organ Donation and Transplantation Ireland includes six organ donor co-ordinators.
The current staffing levels are considered to be adequate, though this will be kept under review in the light of the introduction of a soft opt-out system of consent.
