§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people die in intensive therapy units annually; whether he can break the number down according to age groups; and what percentage are likely to be considered as organ donors.
§ Mr. DorrellAccording to information provided by the national audit of potential donors, initiated by the Government in 1989, just over 1,000 patients per month died in intensive therapy units in England during 1989 and their average age was 57 years. Some 8.4 per cent. were considered to be potential cadaveric organ donors on the basis that they were confirmed brain stem dead and there were no general medical contraindications to organ donation.