Song composed to get people talking about organ donation
Figures show 71 people in county awaiting a transplant
The NHS has urged people in West Sussex to talk to their families about organ donation as it revealed more than 7,000 people – including 200 children – were predicted to be in need of an organ transplant.
The plea came as part of Organ Donation Week, which ran from September 20-26.
The hidden impact for patients waiting for transplants, which included 71 people on the waiting list for a transplant from WestSussex,isbeinghighlighted with the release of a new song from the Harmonies of Hope children’s choir called Invisible.
After a most challenging year fortheNHSandpeopleacrossthe 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.
Itishopedthechoir’ssongwill 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, said: “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,thisisoftenonlypossible 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,ScotlandandWales,itis important that people are aware that families will still always be consultedbeforeorgandonation 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 happenintheeventofyourdeath.
“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, visit www. organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.