Families across the Bath area are being encouraged by NHS Blood and Transplant to talk about organ donation and register their decision to help save lives.
With families hoping to get together for Christmas for the first time since the pandemic began, the NHS is urging people to take a moment during the celebrations to talk about their organ donation decision and to leave their family members certain of what they want to happen.
At the end of October, there were 53 patients awaiting the life-saving gift of an organ transplant in Somerset and many of their lives could be saved or significantly improved if a donor is found.
Sadly, every day across the UK someone dies in need of an organ transplant.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHSBT, said: “Wherever and however people in Somerset 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 40 people in Somerset 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.
While families are more likely, and find it easier, to support donation when they already know it is what their loved one wanted, only 42% of the UK population have registered their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and just 37% say that they have shared their organ donation decision with their family.
Anthony added: “We know that for many thousands of people across the UK, including 53 people in Somerset, 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”.
For more information, or to register your organ donation decision, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
