How Coronavirus is affecting organ transplants

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting hospitals, both NHS and private, significantly. All elective surgery has been put on hold as hospitals reserve beds and resources for coronavirus patients. There is also a risk that patients could be exposed to coronavirus in hospitals, even though hospitals have robust infection control procedures.

Both those waiting for an organ transplant and those who have received an organ are considered part of the ‘vulnerable’ group of people who would likely not survive if they got infected by coronavirus. For this reason, organ transplants are being evaluated on a case by case basis, with only the most urgent going ahead. Donors are being checked for COVID-19 infection and if they test positive, they cannot donate their organs, unfortunately. According to the NHS organ donation website:

“Transplants are going ahead if it is safe and appropriate, with transplant clinicians assessing individual cases and the situation in their own hospital. Transplant teams will also talk to patients awaiting a transplant operation and balance their need for a transplant against the additional challenges of being immuno-suppressed at this time.”

The NHS has provided more detailed information on this topic. We’ve summarised the information below, but you can find the full article here.

Is it safe to have an organ transplant at the moment?
There is no known transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) through organ donation. Deceased organ donation is being considered on a case by case basis. Every potential organ donor is being tested for COVID-19 and if someone has COVID-19 they will not be able to donate.

Are organ donations still going ahead?
Yes, patients are still being referred for organ donation where appropriate. Organs are still being donated where possible and offered to the hospitals that are still performing transplants. Some transplants are still going ahead if it is safe and appropriate to do so, with transplant clinicians assessing individual cases and the current situation in their own hospital. Transplant teams will also talk to patients awaiting a transplant operation and balance their need for a transplant against the additional challenges of being immuno-suppressed and the challenges being faced within the NHS at this moment.

Is coronavirus impacting hospital capacity for donation and transplant?
NHSBT and NHS England are monitoring the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on ICU capacity and resources working closely with Intensive Care colleagues. This is also about the safety of organ donation and transplantation.

Are some transplant units now closed?
Some transplant units have made the difficult decision to close their transplant programmes for now. This is to support the NHS in treating coronavirus (COVID-19) patients and other patients needing intensive care. Patients identified as organ donors are usually in intensive care units when they are referred for donation, and some transplant patients require intensive care following their transplant operation, so it’s vital that any transplant that does go ahead is done as safely as possible for all those involved.

Who can I contact about my transplant?
Contact your transplant unit if you have questions about an upcoming transplant or need advice.