FAMILIES are being urged to talk about organ donation ahead of a change in the law.
From spring 2020, all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.
With this in mind, NHS Blood and Transplant says it is vital people talk to family members so they know what their wishes are in the event that the worse happens.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all the courageous donors and their families across the country, who helped us to save so many lives last year,” said Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant.
“Organ donation is the only hope for many desperately ill people.
“We know many families feel a sense of pride and comfort from their decision to let their final act to be saving lives through organ donation.
“No lifesaving transplant would be possible without the generosity of every donor and their families, who give their support and say ‘yes’ to organ donation.
“There are 53 people in Worcestershire waiting for a transplant now. Their only hope for a new life is that a family in their time of grief will make the wonderful decision to agree to organ donation.
“With the law around organ donation changing in England from next spring, we urge everyone to find out about the choices available to them, make their decision and share it with their family.”
If you would like to help others after your death, tell your family you want to be an organ donor and join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
It’s your choice whether or not you want to donate your organs. Visit NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk to register your decision and don’t forget to tell your family.
