Article Source: Organ Donation Scotland
Last 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
Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MOREA local pupil from Pathhead Primary School in Kirkcaldy is the winner of Miller Homes’ first ever Easter hard hat design competition, the homebuilder’s take on the traditional Easter bonnet.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.
READ MOREScotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.
READ MORE