NHS chiefs are calling on families to discuss organ donation amid news the numbers have dropped for the first time in decade.
Figures published this month reveal 111 West Yorkshire residents have died waiting for a transplant in the past five years.
There are currently more than 350 people in the county waiting for a transplant.
The Examiner reported last August that out of more than 250 deaths across Huddersfield Royal Infirmary (HRI) and Calderdale Royal Hospital (CRH) in 2013/14, just nine donors were found.
Yet that was one of the highest figures in the region. Yorkshire has the lowest rate of organ donations in the UK with just 86 donors in total last year
Currently, four out of ten families don’t give permission to donate when approached.
Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “We are truly grateful to the deceased donors who enabled 353 people in West Yorkshire to receive an organ transplant last year.
“Their donations have saved and improved lives. Sadly, 111 people from West Yorkshire have died while on the transplant waiting list in the past five years.
“We cannot hope to save more lives unless there is a revolution in attitudes towards organ donation.
“We need everyone talk about organ donation with their families and agree to donate if ever they are asked.
“We understand that families are expected to consider donation in their darkest hour.
“So we would remind everyone - tell those closest to you now if you want to donate your organs and record that decision by joining the 670,428 people from West Yorkshire who are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
“Should the time come, your family will know you want to donate your organs to help to save others.”
Click here to join the NHS Organ Donor Register or call 0300 123 2323.
