Families in West Sussex urged to get talking about organ donation
During Organ Donation Week (September 20 to 26), NHS Blood and Transplant was urging people in West Sussex to talk to their families about organ donation as more than 7,000 people, including 200 children, are predicted to be in need of an organ transplant.
The hidden impact for these patients, which includes 71 people currently on the waiting list for a transplant from West Sussex, is being highlighted with the release of a new song from the ‘Harmonies of Hope’ children’s choir called ‘Invisible’.
After a most challenging year for the NHS and people across the world, waiting lists for organs including kidney, heart, liver and lungs, are expected to rise and NHS Blood and Transplant is
calling for more families in West Sussex to talk and share their organ donation decision to increase the chances of the many children, young people and adults in need of their own life-saving call.
Last year, 21 people in West Sussex had their lives saved by a transplant after someone
died and donated their organs. If more people agreed to donate, more lives would be saved in West Sussex and around the country.
It is hoped the choir’s song will inspire people in West Sussex to talk about organ donation and for all members of the family, whatever their
age, to help make sure more lives are saved.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, says: “Every day across the UK there are thousands of patients and their families, waiting for that all important life-saving call, including 71 people in West Sussex.
“Yet, this is often only possible as a result of another family receiving some of the hardest news they might ever have to hear.
“Even though the law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system for adults in England, Scotland and Wales, it is important that people are aware that families will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.
“It is just as important as ever to make your organ donation decision known to your family and friends and leave them certain of what you what to happen in the event of your death.
“We urge all family members of all ages in West Sussex to take a moment this Organ Donation Week to talk and share your decision.”
For more information, or to register your organ donation decision, please visit: www. organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.