John
04-11-2010, 09:05 AM
Around 800,000 people had their wishes about the use of their organs wrongly recorded due to an error, it was revealed.
An investigation found that 45 individuals for whom false data were stored have since died.
The NHS is about to contact approximately 20 families who allowed organs to be taken after being misinformed about what consent had previously been given.
Mr Burnham said: "Giving the gift of an organ is a most selfless act and organ donors transform the lives of thousands of people every year.
"I want to assure the millions of people on the organ donor register that they can have full confidence that only their accurate information will be discussed with their families, and that their wishes will be respected.
"This has clearly not happened in a small number of cases in the past, and I deeply regret the distress caused to the families.
"In all cases, donation was discussed with family members before decisions were made. It is important that those who wish to donate tell their families of their wishes."
He added: "I have asked NHS Blood and Transplant to take immediate steps to identify and contact all affected families. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible.
"I have asked Professor Sir Gordon Duff of Sheffield University to carry out a review to find out why this has happened, prevent mistakes like this being made again and ensure all necessary steps are taken to maintain confidence in the organ donor register."
An investigation found that 45 individuals for whom false data were stored have since died.
The NHS is about to contact approximately 20 families who allowed organs to be taken after being misinformed about what consent had previously been given.
Mr Burnham said: "Giving the gift of an organ is a most selfless act and organ donors transform the lives of thousands of people every year.
"I want to assure the millions of people on the organ donor register that they can have full confidence that only their accurate information will be discussed with their families, and that their wishes will be respected.
"This has clearly not happened in a small number of cases in the past, and I deeply regret the distress caused to the families.
"In all cases, donation was discussed with family members before decisions were made. It is important that those who wish to donate tell their families of their wishes."
He added: "I have asked NHS Blood and Transplant to take immediate steps to identify and contact all affected families. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible.
"I have asked Professor Sir Gordon Duff of Sheffield University to carry out a review to find out why this has happened, prevent mistakes like this being made again and ensure all necessary steps are taken to maintain confidence in the organ donor register."