Organ donation could transform lives

NHS Tayside is encouraging people to think about giving the gift of life by joining the organ donor register.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “We need everybody” and the key message encourages everyone to sign up regardless of ethnicity, body shape, size or medical history.

Lots of people think they would be unsuitable to donate organs and tissues because of their medical history or lifestyle choices but each donor is individually assessed.

The campaign hopes to remind people it only takes a few minutes to join and one donor can potentially save or transform up to nine lives.

Barbara McIntosh from Inchture and her daughter Susan Johnstone, who lives in Longforgan, are supporting the call. In 2007 Barbara donated a kidney to Susan, and since then both have been looked after by the Renal Services Team at Ninewells Hospital.

Irene Russell, NHS Tayside’s transplant co-ordinator, said: “Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine but they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families.

“It is very important you tell your family you have joined the register so they know your wishes.”

To join the register visit weneedeverybody.org, or for information on becoming a live kidney donor contact robbie.paul@nhs.net.