Living kidney recipients mark 60th anniversary of first living kidney donation in UK
People saved by living kidney transplantation have given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.
Article Source: Organ Donation Scotland
First Published: 29 October 2020 11:41
Updated: 29 October 2020 11:41
LIVING KIDNEY RECIPIENTS MARK 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIFE-SAVING SURGERY
1,500 people in Scotland have donated since first surgery in Edinburgh in 1960
People saved by living kidney transplantation have today (30 October 2020) given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.
The pioneering surgery, which involved twin brothers from Leith, was performed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on 30 October 1960 by Sir Michael Woodruff and his team.
Since then, over 1,500 people in Scotland have helped others by donating a kidney.
Patricia Hourd, 63, from Perthshire who received a kidney from mum Sally Mearns 18 years ago, today led the tributes, thanking her mother and the nurses, doctors and surgeons for transforming her life and giving her years of good health.
Sally, who donated aged 71 and is now 90, put herself forward for testing as a potential donor after Patricia was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2002 and had to start dialysis, after her kidneys started to fail.
A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant, and those on the waiting list are encouraged to consider living donation as an option for this reason.
A healthy person can live a completely normal life with one working kidney, and people can donate to a loved one in need or can donate altruistically to a stranger on the waiting list who is a match.
Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a significant milestone in the history of transplantation. Living kidney donation has come a long way from that first surgery in October 1960, with 100 such operations currently performed in Scotland each year with a very high success rate.
“The programme will remain an important part of increasing donation and transplantation rates when opt out legislation is introduced next March.
“The generosity of donors, coupled with the care and dedication of those in the NHS who facilitate each stage of the process, has resulted in many lives being saved and transformed and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved.”
Mr Gabriel Oniscu, consultant transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Director of the Edinburgh Transplant Centre said: "There have been many significant advancements in the 60 years since that first pioneering surgery which have completely changed the outcomes for patients living with kidney failure. Keyhole surgery for the donor operation and the kidney sharing schemes have certainly revolutionised living donation.
“The difference living donation makes to someone living with end stage kidney failure cannot be underestimated. The most rewarding part of my role is without a doubt seeing a donor and recipient recovering following surgery. Being able to facilitate that transformation is an immense privilege.”
To find out more about living donation, visit https://www.organdonationscotland.org/tell-me-about-living-donation
Image: Sally and Patricia
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Celtic Connections 2021 announces initial line up and early bird tickets
Celtic Connections has announced the first list of artists who will perform as part of their digital-first festival this January!
Dobbies moves Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day as Brits seek early festive joy
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has brought forward its official 'Bring your Christmas Tree Home Day' to December 5th as the public get into the Christmas spirit earlier than normal!
Quarriers unveil Christmas cards designed by people supported by the social care charity
The artistic talents of two people supported by Quarriers are being displayed on the charity's Christmas card for 2020.
New dates added to itison Drive In Movies!
Four new dates have been added to this year's Drive In Movies Christmas following huge demand!
Win an amazing gift every day in December!
Graham's The Family Dairy supports Scottish restaurants and the hospitality industry by launching an online Christmas Gift competition!
Lighting up East Renfrewshire communities for winter
East Renfrewshire's towns and villages have been lit up for winter with £113,000 of impressive new lighting now installed.
The most enchanted musical of all time is to be reimagined in a brand new production!
Disney's beloved Olivier Award-winning stage musical Beauty and the Beast is heading out on a UK & Ireland Tour in 2021 which will include a 5 week run at The Edinburgh Playhouse!
Team behind The Rum Shack launch brand new rum subscription service
The Rum Slinger, Scotland's newest monthly subscription-based UK-wide rum delivery service launches in time for Christmas!
Social Bite launches the Great Brownie Bake Off
Scotland’s leading homelessness charity is on the hunt for one star baker to get creative in the kitchen and produce a new brownie for its popular home delivery service.
Virtual Market gives small businesses a lifeline this Christmas
Scottish market events company is leading the way with the launch of an innovative new online shopping experience to support independent brands this Christmas.
Koor Launches series of Festive Workshops to get everyone singing together again this Christmas
Koor, a free app making individual choral practise enjoyable, launches a series of festive workshops to enable people to share the joy of singing from the safety of their own homes.
Dobbies teams up with Teenage Cancer Trust to thank local heroes
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has teamed up with Teenage Cancer Trust to give local heroes a Christmas to remember!
Have your say on issues and decisions affecting East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council is currently recruiting members to join the Citizens' Panel and share their opinions on matters affecting people in East Renfrewshire.
East Renfrewshire celebrates Beat the Street success!
East Renfrewshire has once again successfully completed its Beat the Street challenge!
Dobbies launches series of Christmas podcasts
As Christmas approaches, Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has released the first of three festive themed podcasts!
Sam Smith performs exclusively for Clyde 1 and Forth 1
Clyde 1 and Forth 1 are set to broadcast an exclusive session from multi-award-winning global star, Sam Smith on Monday 16th November!
Get on the nice list... itison Drive In Movies Christmas tickets released tomorrow
Tickets for Scotland's biggest and best Christmas drive-in go on sale tomorrow morning at 7.30am!
Stay at Home Choir partners with Koor to deliver a global Christmas Celebration
The Stay At Home Choir have partnered with Koor, a free app that helps choral singers learn, improve and enjoy singing, to deliver their virtual Christmas celebration this year.
Can you Beat the Street and help the SupERkids charity
Not far off 10,000 people have together walked, cycled, run, scooted and rolled their walk to 95,000 miles. If players can exceed 100,000 miles, organisers will donate £500 to SuperER kids.
Scots encouraged to celebrate St Andrews Day
Communities across Scotland are being urged to celebrate Scotland’s national day on 30 November by wearing their kilt as part of the #GetYerKiltOn tourism initiative.
The original Christmas drive in is back!
Scotland's biggest and best Christmas drive-in is BACK as itison announce its Drive-In Movies will return to Loch Lomond Shores for the 8th year in a row!
Remembrance Sunday in East Renfrewshire
Remembrance Sunday will be commemorated in a different way in East Renfrewshire this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pitch transformation will help East Renfrewshire school launch football programme
An East Renfrewshire primary school is dreaming of footballing glory after officially opening a newly resurfaced state-of-the-art pitch.
Scottish entrepreneur launches a fully immersive virtual market experience
Scottish market events company is leading the way in marketplace e-commerce with the launch of an innovative new online shopping experience to support independent brands this Christmas.
Calling all amateur photographers
Loch Lomond Shores has announced a nature-inspired photography competition for amateur photographers which will run until November 20th!
Nearly 10,000 people across East Renfrewshire taking part in physical activity game Beat the Street
The Beat the Street challenge taking place in East Renfrewshire has entered its Go Active week encouraging participants try new activities, whether that's cycling, scootering or jogging!
The Say Award Ceremony to Air on Sunday 1st November
On November 1st, fans have the chance to watch the moment NOVA made history as the youngest ever winner, plus exclusive insights from all ten shortlisted artists on their outstanding albums.
Val McDermid joins young people of Scotland for time capsule
Scottish Book Trust’s patron and award-winning author Val McDermid has joined young people of Scotland to contribute to a time capsule for Book Week Scotland.
Nova revealed as winner of the 2020 Say Award
The 2020 winner of Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, was revealed as Nova, the youngest ever winner, for her debut release ‘Re-Up’.
Living kidney recipients mark 60th anniversary of first living kidney donation in UK
People saved by living kidney transplantation have given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.
Sponsored Links
