§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what targets he has set for UK Transplant to increase the number of corneal grafts available for transplant in the UK; and if he will make a statement; [132510]
(2) how many corneal graft donations there were in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [132511]
(3) what measures his Department has taken over the last three years to increase the number of corneal graft donations available for transplant; and if he will make a statement; [132512]
(4) what procedural reforms his Department has initiated over the last three years to increase the number of corneal grafts available for transplant; and if he will make a statement. [132513]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonAlthough no specific targets have been set to increase the number of corneal grafts available for transplant in the United Kingdom, UK Transplant aims to provide sufficient corneas to allow 2,500 grafts per year. The transplant framework, published in July 2003, sets out the key aims for transplantation over the next 10 years and describes good practice, which the national health service, organisations and individuals can use to maximise the benefits of transplantation.
The table shows the number of corneas donated and grafted in each of the last five financial years, from 1 April to 31 March. Not all corneas retrieved are suitable for transplantation. Medical contra-indications and endothelial deficiency account for the majority of corneas that are unable to be used.
Corneas donated Corneas grafted 1998–99 3,434 2,262 1999–2000 3,646 2,245 2000–01 3,808 2,264 2001–02 3,280 2,056 2002–03 3,469 2,299