100 Bedfordshire residents waiting for life saving organ transplant

More than 100 people across Bedfordshire are waiting for an organ transplant, NHS figures reveal ahead of Organ Donation Week.

Alex Mayer MP is backing NHS Blood and Transplant’s call for people to confirm their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register which takes around two minutes. 

England has an opt-out system for organ donation, meaning most adults are considered to have agreed to donate unless they have recorded a decision not to. But it’s a good idea to actively record whether you want to donate, as families remain involved in decision making before the donation goes ahead. 

During 2025/26, 36 Bedfordshire residents received an organ transplant, while 27 people became deceased organ donors.

The NHS says that one donor can potentially save up to nine lives. 

Alex Mayer MP said: “Just over a hundred people across Bedfordshire are waiting and hoping for the call that could change their lives.

“Most of us would accept a donated organ if we needed one, so Organ Donation Week is a good moment to think about what we would want to happen if we were ever in a position to help somebody else.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to record your decision. I’d encourage people to do it and, importantly, make sure your family knows what you want too.”

Sadly more than 400 people died in the past year because they did not receive the transplant they needed. 

Organ Donation Week runs from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September.