Deceased donor kidney transplantation

Transplant waiting list

Many people decide to donate their organs in the event of their death, to be used to transform the life of someone waiting for a transplant.

If you are suitable for a kidney transplant, you will be registered on the national deceased donor waiting list.

You become 'active' on the list when you are actively waiting for a kidney and are ready to be called to the hospital for a transplant at any time, day or night.

When you are registered and active, you will be contacted when a kidney becomes available.

How are kidney transplants allocated?

The allocation system does not operate as a queue - you do not start at the bottom and move up. Instead, kidneys are allocated by NHS Blood and Transplant for all patients in the UK according to your blood group, tissue match, and several other factors.

Following the transplant operation, you will be prescribed life-long medication to prevent your new kidney from being rejected.

• Find out about going on the transplant waiting list
• Get the facts about organ donation