Mr Bishop delighted at record number of live kidney donors

Chris Bishop

National List MP based in Hutt South

Media statement

9 March 2017

Chris Bishop delighted at record number of live kidney donors

Chris Bishop MP is delighted at the increase in live kidney donors reported, just months after his Member’s Bill, Financial Compensation for Live Organ Donors, passed into law.

The numbers reported by Organ Donation New Zealand on World Kidney Day show that the number of living kidney donors continues to increase, having a massive impact on the lives of patients and their families.

Organ Donation New Zealand figures show that there were 82 live kidney donors in 2016, up from 74 the year before. Live donors accounted for about half of the 172 kidney transplant recipients last year.

“People who selflessly donate organs to loved ones or strangers are heroes, and it’s wonderful to see the number of them increasing,” says Mr Bishop.

“For people who are suffering kidney failure, receiving a donated organ is literally their second chance at life. World Kidney Day is a great chance to celebrate the altruism of people who voluntarily give up one of their own kidneys to save a life,” says Mr Bishop.

“My Member’s Bill, the Compensation for Live Organ Donors Act, comes into force later this year and it significantly increases government compensation for the heroes who go through organ donation to save a life.

“We still have a long way to go, with over 500 people on the waiting list and a big shortage of donors. But seeing the increase in live organ donors is a huge step in the right direction,” says Mr Bishop.

ENDS

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