A decline in the number of liver transplants carried out at St Vincent’s University Hospital is due to a fall in the number of suitable organs available, the hospital has said.
St Vincent’s is the National Centre for Liver Transplantation and there were 28 liver transplants carried out there in 2025, fewer than half of the 2019 total of 66.
Since the start of this year, 23 liver transplant surgeries have been completed.
A statement from the hospital said the most recent review of the liver transplant unit at the hospital found that “care is being delivered at a level equal to and exceeding international standards”.
It said that a report in the Sunday Times that refers to shortcomings in care at the unit refers to reports from several years ago and the recommendations from those reports “were accepted by the hospital and have been or are currently being implemented”.
Liver Ireland Support Network, a volunteer-led patient support group, said in a statement that it has noted the reduction in liver transplant numbers and “have raised this with the hospital in order to better understand the factors involved”.
It added that transplant activity can be affected by a range of complex issues.
The Network is continuing to seek clarity “as further information becomes available” and it would encourage any patient who has concerns about their care, waiting list status or communication from the transplant service to contact their clinical team directly.
“Our focus is on supporting patients, ensuring their concerns are heard, and encouraging any necessary improvements in a transparent and patient-centred way,” it added.