Scottish Donation and Transplant Group written update: August 2023

Human Tissue Authority

Update given by: 

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

Travelling for transplantation 

Lisa Burnapp, Associate Medical Director, Living Donation and Transplantation, NHSBT and Jess Porter, Head of Regulation, HTA delivered a presentation on travelling for transplantation at the UK Living Kidney Donor Network meeting in Leeds on 10 May. 

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

Clinicians are to continue reporting any suspected cases of travelling for transplantation and encouraged to contact the HTA for guidance.

Independent assessor (IA) training

The Living Organ Donation team delivered face-to-face IA training in Edinburgh in June to six candidates. The training session was held at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion headquarters and was very productive. The team are in the process of accrediting those who attended. 

Many thanks to Jen Lumsdaine and the team at SNBTS for their help and for hosting.

Living donation

Between March 2023 and the end of July 2023, we have assessed thirty-seven living organ donation cases where the transplant was due to take place in Scotland.

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