Why attend the masterclass?

The UK National Organ Retrieval Service (NORS) retrieves organs from donors on behalf of transplant centres and the level of skill of NORS team members has a significant bearing on organ quality, organ damage and transplant outcomes.

Attending the Organ Retrieval Masterclass equips delegates with the knowledge and skills required to work within NORS. Step-by-step teaching in abdominal and cardiothoracic retrieval with expert retrieval surgeons and practitioners will be complemented by cutting edge demonstrations of emerging technologies.

About the course

The faculty will be drawn from across the UK and includes world-leading clinicians in the field of organ retrieval and transplantation. This masterclass is mandatory for full registration as a retrieval surgeon in the UK. The masterclass will be a virtual event to ensure the greatest number are able to attend. The conference language will be English.

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at Fellows, trainee Surgeons and Perioperative Practitioners working at or due to be attached to clinical teams involved in organ retrieval. Other professional groups, such as Intensivists and Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation, theatre staff and transplant co-ordinators are also most welcome. Last year, we had international delegates from various countries, and we hope to welcome more countries this year.

• Surgeons seeking full registration with NHS Blood and Transplant to lead their NORS team
• Surgeons with an interest in solid organ retrieval from deceased donors
• Healthcare professionals with an interest in organ donation, organ retrieval and organ preservation such as Perioperative Practitioners, Perfusion Specialists, nurses and Intensivists

Registration closes 23rd October 2026

Holders of NHSBT Retrieval Masterclass Certificates (previous attendees) may attend for a refresher for FREE

We encourage you to register as soon as possible.

For further information please email Professional.DevelopmentODT@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Details will be updated here https://www.odt.nhs.uk/odt-structures-and-standards/events/uk-organ-retrieval-masterclass/

We hope to welcome you all in November!

On behalf of the NHSBT NORS Masterclass Course Directors