Hampshire Hospitals’ specialists urge people to take two steps this Organ Donation Week: register to be a donor and have the conversation
The specialist organ donation team at Hampshire Hospitals is using this year’s Organ Donation Week to remind people of two important steps that can make a lifesaving difference: firstly, register to become an organ donor, and secondly, let loved ones know.
Hampshire Hospitals’ consultant anaesthetist, Dr James Knight, says: “Registering to become a potential organ donor is an act of kindness that may help people who are in need. It can transform or save many lives.
“We are often asking people to consider the decision to donate a loved one’s organs at a time of trauma and shock. Should the worst happen, it makes all the difference if an individual’s decision to donate has been discussed and is known.”
According to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) figures, more than 44,000 lives have been saved or improved through deceased and living donor organ transplants in the past decade; however, the UK transplant waiting list has reached record levels with 8,000 people still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
The NHSBT figures also show that 4,900 people died while waiting for a lifesaving transplant - including 100 people in Hampshire.
Hampshire Hospitals specialist organ donation nurse, Rosie Dicks says: “It takes just two minutes to register to become an organ donor – an important decision that could make a huge difference to many people.
“This Organ Donation Week, please put yourself on the register and let your loved ones know about the decision.”
To find out more, and confirm your support for organ donation, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app.
