Two minutes now could save lives

This Organ Donation Week, which runs from 23–29 September, will be the 30-year anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register.

NHS Blood and Transplant and Hywel Dda University Health Board are calling on people to register their donation decision and talk to their families about organ donation to help those across the UK who are actively waiting for a transplant.

Lauren Blunsden, an Organ Donation Specialist Nurse, said: “We currently have over 7,000 patients waiting for a life saving organ transplant with 200 of these being children.

“We would like to encourage everyone sign their decision onto the Organ Donation register and most importantly to make sure you share your decision with your loved ones.”

Around 93,864 people in Carmarthenshire, 41,228 people in Ceredigion, and 65,611 people in Pembrokeshire have already declared their decision through the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Even though the law around organ donation has now changed across England, Scotland and Wales, family members will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.

People need to tell their family to help ensure they support their decision – whether this be yes to organ donation or no, if they are approached about organ donation by a specialist nurse in hospital.

When a family are approached, 9 out of 10 families will agree to donation if they know their family member was on the Organ Donor Register and talked about their decision.

This means it is still important as ever to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and ensure your friends and family know what you want.

Chantal Patel, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Organ Donation Committee, said: “Organ Donation Week is very important and is an opportunity for families to have discussions about organ donation.

“In Wales, we follow the legislation of deemed consent, meaning it is presumed that you have no objection in being an organ donor. So, it is vital that people register their decision and talk to loved ones.”

The health board is now asking people across the area to register their decision and tell their families that they want to donate after their death to ensure they are able to give the gift of life.

Christopher Hughes, from the Hywel Dda area, who registered as a donor at the age of 19, received a new liver after a sudden illness revealed he had fatty liver disease that did not respond to treatment.

He had a transplant assessment and was added to the transplant list.

He said ‘My life has been turned around and I have seen our son grow up, get married and give us three lovely grandchildren. I have just celebrated 20 years since the transplant.”

He is thankful of his donor’s decision to register, and the donor’s family.

“For anyone thinking of signing up, Organ Donation is the greatest gift a person can give another,” said Christopher.

Register your decision at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family, it could save lives.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We are very grateful to Hywel Dda University Health Board for its support during Organ Donation Week.

“Every day across the UK there are thousands of patients and their families, waiting for that all important life-saving call. Yet, this is often only possible as a result of another family receiving some of the hardest news they might ever have to hear.

“With the increase in the number of people waiting for transplants, it’s more important than ever to register your support for organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register to ensure your family are aware of your decision.

“We urge anyone who hasn’t already done so, to take a moment this Organ Donation Week to register and share your decision.”

To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.