Organ donor team’s work earns thanks

A Bath hospital has been thanked for supporting vital organ transplants for 14 patients during 2019/20.

Organ and tissue transplantation is often the best or even the only treatment for patients suffering from disease or failure of a major organ and many patients each year benefit from a transplant.

Transplant operations do not take place at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, but the hospital has a team of specialist nurses in organ donation, who provide information, answer questions and discuss the wishes of the patient with their family.

In a letter to the trust, Anthony Clarkson, director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on organ donation and transplantation across the UK.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your organisation for your ongoing support throughout the year and especially during these unprecedented times.”

RUH medical director Bernie Marden said: “The RUH has a good record when it comes to supporting organ donation, so this recognition is very welcome.

“Organ and tissue transplantation saves and enhances people’s lives. While organ donation is a very personal decision, I can’t stress enough how important it is and how often it can be the difference between life and death.”

To find out more about organ donation, visit www.organdonation. nhs.uk