With a national shortage of organ donors, the dilemma faced by surgeons is whether a transplant with what are called "marginal" organs from donors who could be higher risk, such as the elderly or patients with a history of cancer or drug abuse, is better than leaving a patient on a waiting list where they could die before a suitable donor can be found. Figures disclosed to File on 4 reveal that in 1998 13% of donor organs were "marginal", 10 years later this percentage had doubled. Everyone in the transplant field who has talked to the programme agreed the quality of organs from deceased donors was declining, accepting this meant added risks connected to the hearts, lungs, livers and kidneys used for transplants. As one doctor put it, this is a calculated gamble. Arising out of this comes the issue of informed consent. Who should have the final say whether an organ from a dead donor should be used, the professional or the patient?