HEALTHCARE bosses are urging Warwickshire residents to give the gift of life this Christmas and help ease the organ donation waiting list in the county.
With the latest figures showing 48 people in Warwickshire were awaiting an organ transplant at the end of October, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is calling on people in the county to talk about organ donation over the festive season and leave their family members in no doubt of what they want to happen.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHSBT, said: “Wherever and however people in Warwickshire plan to spend this Christmas, we hope that everyone will be able to enjoy the festivities and spend some much needed time with family and friends.
“For many thousands of people across the country – including 31 people in Warwickshire who have had transplants this year – the only reason that they are able to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas is thanks to the generosity of a donor and their family who so selflessly chose to give the gift of life. However, there are still thousands of people who are still desperately hoping and waiting for the transplant that will transform their life.
“Please take a moment this Christmas to let your family know your organ donation decision. Those conversations could help save the lives of people currently spending their Christmas waiting for a transplant.”
Even though the law around organ donation has now moved to an opt out system across England, Wales, and Scotland, many are still not aware that families will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.
Only 42 per cent of the UK population have registered their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register – and just 37 per cent say they have shared their organ donation decision with their family.
Mr Clarkson added: “We know that for many thousands of people across the UK, including 48 people in Warwickshire, the greatest gift they could receive this year will be a phone call telling them that a donor has been found for them. Please let your family know your organ donation decision and leave them certain of your decision.”
Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 for more information, or to register your organ donation decision.
