NHSBT Liver Transplant Update for Patients (February 2021)
NHSBT Liver Transplant Update for Patients
February 2021

NHSBT is the authority that oversees transplantation in the United Kingdom. Today, they have released an update for patients regarding liver transplant services in the UK.
We understand this remains a worrying and uncertain time for those on the waiting list, and we hope this information will answer some of the questions that you may have.
For information about liver transplants and PSC, click here.
Where to find the latest information
Information about what is happening may change from day to day. You can find the latest transplant information in the GREEN BOX ('information and advice specific to transplant patients') on the NHSBT website.
NHSBT Patient Information - Written in collaboration with Liver Transplant Colleagues in the United Kingdom (UK) 10th Feb 2021 V2
Liver Transplant Patient Information
We know this remains a worrying time for anyone waiting for a liver transplant. This information is to provide you with a background on the impact of COVID-19 across the UK, and an update on liver transplant services.
The situation is constantly changing and is under close review. We will update this information as the situation changes.
With a great team effort across the NHS, deceased organ donation and transplant activity continued for the most urgent patients during the first and second wave of COVID-19. However, the increased numbers of COVID-19 cases are causing a lot of pressure on the whole NHS, especially Critical Care/ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed capacity, and this has impacted donation and transplantation activity. This means that at the moment, only some liver transplant centres can accept organ offers and transplant their clinically urgent patients.
In order to increase the likelihood of a transplant operation going ahead, and to ensure that as many patients as possible with the greatest need get their liver transplant, it has been agreed that at any given time a minimum of three transplant centres in England will be protected to carry out clinically urgent liver transplants. The liver transplant centres are working closely together, along with NHSBT and NHS England to make this happen.
Clinically Urgent Patients Only
News About COVID-19
New Advice on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
MHRA issues new advice, concluding a possible link between COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Households of Those with Weakened Immune Systems
Vaccines to be offered to people aged 16 and over living with people with weak immune systems.
COVID Vaccine for People on the Transplant Waiting List
If you are on the transplant waiting list, did you know that NHSBT recommend that you have two COVID vaccine doses 21-28 days apart (depending upon vaccine type)?
COVID Vaccines and the Immune System
How do COVID vaccines affect people who are taking immunosuppressive medicines?
What COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Groups are People with PSC in?
Which priority groups are people with PSC in? How we can help if your doctors advises you that you are not in a priority group.
Additional Risk Factors Used to Identify People at High Risk of COVID-19
Additional people who may be at high risk from COVID-19 have been identified using a risk score based on a wide range of factors that predict a more severe course of COVID-19 or an increased likelihood of getting COVID-19.
Ask the Expert 17 February 2021
Join us and Dr Hermien Hartog for this live Ask the Expert session. Wednesday 17th Feb at 2pm(UK). Video now available.
Acute Cholangitis or COVID-19?
One of the signs of acute cholangitis can include a higher temperature than normal, which is also one of the main symptoms of COVID-19. Find out more.
Care of Patients With Liver Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic – UPDATE
European experts have made recommendations on the care of liver disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQ on COVID Vaccine and Transplantation
FAQs about COVID vaccines for people on the transplant waiting list, those who have already had a transplant and living donors.