THE Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital is aiming to save more lives by increasing the number of organs donated.

It has set up a new committee as part of a national bid to double organ donation over the next five years.

Its aim is to be more efficient in identifying patients who meet the current criteria for being potential donors.

The new committee will be made up of representatives from across the RD&E hospital, including palliative care, the emergency department, theatres and the chaplaincy service.

The RD&E's Dr Alasdair Dow said: "Organ donation is imperative to saving and benefiting patient lives. Unfortunately the majority of patients waiting for a heart or lung donation will die waiting for a suitable donor.

"The RD&E is working to increase the number of organs donated locally to help improve and save many more lives across the area."