Thirty Years of Organ Donation Week
On the 30th anniversary of Organ Donation Week – the annual campaign that highlights the lifesaving role of organ transplants – the team at Hampshire Hospitals is urging local people to find out more about registering and discussing their decision with loved ones.
To highlight the importance of organ donation, two family members have spoken about their experiences and the impact that facilitating lifesaving transplants has had.
Debbie Carr is a wonderful mum whose beautiful son, Frankie, died aged just seven years old from an extremely rare genetic brain disorder. Read about how she found the strength to donate his organs, and what this decision has meant for her.
In 2021, John Hetherington lost his wife Susie following a sudden collapse. Read about how and why his family made the difficult decision to donate Susie’s organs. 
Steve Erskine, Chair of Hampshire Hospitals Organ Donation Committee, says: “Through organ and tissue donation, lives are saved and transformed for recipients and their families.”
“There are two sides to this story, and we are acutely aware of the fact that organ and tissue donation is rooted in sadness and loss; however, through the gift of individuals and their loved ones, an extremely valuable legacy lives on through others.
“Discussing commitment to organ donation ensures that, in the event of the worst happening, families who may be faced with a decision are clear about their loved-ones wishes.”
Although the first half of 2024 saw a consistent increase in organ donors at Hampshire Hospitals, the national team has reported a fall in consent by 61 per cent. With more than 7,600 people actively waiting for a life-saving transplant across the UK, it is vital people confirm their organ donation decision with loved ones so.
James Knight, consultant and clinical lead for organ donation at Hampshire Hospitals says: “If in need, many people would gladly receive a donor organ; the transformative effect of this treatment cannot be underestimated; last year the total number of patients whose lives were potentially saved or improved by an organ transplant increased by 3% to 4,651.”
“The decision to donate is ultimately left to our relatives and loved ones. By having the right conversation periodically, you can help them make that decision at a time when your thoughts and feelings matter most.”
More information can be found here.
