Organ donation Today more than 10,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant which could save or dramatically improve their lives. Most are waiting for a kidney, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant. But the reality is that last year, just over 3,500 transplants were carried out. Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families. Urgent need for more donors There is an urgent need for more donors. About 1,000 people are in need of a transplant - on average three a day - die every year. The more people who pledge to donate their organs after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help make sure life goes on. Organ Donor Line If you've not signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, you can do so on this website or by calling the NHS Organ Donor Line: 0300 123 23 23 Lines open: 24 hours, 365 days a year Calls are charged at your contracted rate for local calls.