NHS Blood and Transplant appoints new Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation

Anthony Clarkson is the new Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation.

NHS Blood and Transplant is pleased to confirm the appointment of Anthony Clarkson as its new Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation.

Anthony is a nurse and a passionate advocate of the work of NHS Blood and Transplant, having worked in a number of areas across the organisation including Blood Donation, Tissues Services and Organ Donation and Transplantation. Anthony has been in post as Interim Director since August 2018.
Anthony Clarkson In November 2018, Anthony’s achievements were recognised when he was awarded the Health Service Journal’s Clinical Leader of the Year Award.

Speaking about the appointment, Interim Chief Executive, Sally Johnson said:

“I am delighted to confirm Anthony’s appointment. Having worked closely with Anthony for eight years I know that he is deeply committed to saving and improving lives through Organ Donation.

As Assistant Director for Organ Donation and Nursing and as Interim Director, Anthony’s leadership has been instrumental in our work to create a world class Organ Donation service in the UK.

I know that as Director he will lead Organ Donation and Transplantation to further achievements. Everyone in NHSBT joins me in wishing Anthony every success in his new role.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anthony said:

“I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the position of Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation.

“The challenge to continue to save and improve the lives of those waiting for an organ transplant by providing excellent care to organ donors and their families has always inspired me.

“I look forward to working with the amazing Organ Donation and Transplantation team to continue that work and to support organ donation and transplantation across the UK.”

NHS Blood and Transplant’s ambition is to increase organ donation rates and save the three people a day on average who die because they do not receive the organ transplant that would save their life.

Anthony takes over the Director role from Sally Johnson who has been the interim chief executive but is due to retire in April 2019.

Contact us

For additional information please contact the NHS Blood and Transplant Press Office on 01923 367600 or pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Notes

Anthony Clarkson biography

Anthony Clarkson qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1994, specialising in Head and Neck Surgery.

In 1997 he moved to work in the National Blood Service initially in both Blood and Live Tissue Donation.

In 2000 he expanded his role to include Deceased Tissue Donation, travelling to the USA to become a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist.

In 2005 he took on a national role managing all aspects of Tissue Donation and the Professional Leadership for the UK Eye Retrieval Scheme.

Gaining an MSc in Management Development he went on to become the Head of Clinical Development before taking up the post as Assistant Director for Organ Donation in 2009.

Since August 2018 Anthony has been the Interim Director – Organ Donation and Transplantation and in November 2018 Anthony was awarded the highly prestigious Clinical Leader of the Year Award by the Health Service Journal.

NHS Blood and Transplant

About organ donation

It is quick and easy to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. Call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Families are always involved in organ donation discussions. You can make things easier for your family by telling them you want to donate.

Every day across the UK around three people who could have benefited from a transplant die because there aren’t enough organ donors.

Anyone can join the NHS Organ Donor Register, age and medical conditions are not necessarily a barrier to donation.

One donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation and save and transforms even more by donating tissue.

The Government has announced plans for a presumed consent system of organ donation to take effect from spring 2020. Under the system, you would be a donor unless you register a decision not to donate. Families will still be able to object to donation so it’s important that you make their decision easier at a difficult time by also telling them that you want to donate.

What can you donate?

If you decide to become an organ donor, you can choose to donate either some or all of your organs.