Fewer organ donors as accident numbers drop

THE number of organ donors in Almeria Province has fallen by 20 per cent due to the lower number of traffic accidents. In 2010, 32 people were willing to donate their organs, while the average in previous years was around 40. However, the actual number of donors who fit the requirements was just 23 in 2010.

The Transplants Department at Torrecardenas Hospital also reported that in 2010 there were no child donors, and that the youngest was 20 years old, while the oldest was 77, most of whom died from lack of oxygen to the brain, while the number of deaths from brain trauma has fallen.

The number of organs donated has remained almost the same, at 53.

There is no age limit on kidney and livers, which are always needed and only require being in good condition. However, only the hearts and lungs of younger donors are used as these organs deteriorate more quickly. The same applies to the pancreas and corneas.