British journal of anaesthesia
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In the UK demand for organ transplantation continues to outstrip supply and one strategy aimed at reversing this trend is the introduction of non-heart beating donor (NHBD) schemes. In this paper we describe our experience after the introduction of the NHBD scheme at a regional neuroscience intensive care unit (ICU) that also provides general intensive care. ⋯ We believe that by establishing the NHBD organ donation scheme we are able to fulfil the wishes of more patients who have indicated that they would like to donate their organs while increasing the availability of solid organs for transplantation. With careful preparation, audit, and communication our experience demonstrates that the NHBD scheme can be successfully introduced in an ICU and expanded to other ICUs in a region.
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Editorial Comment
A historic opportunity to improve organ donation rates in the UK.