This week is Organ Donation Week, so NHS Blood and Transplant is urging everyone to register their organ donation decision online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or via the NHS App.
Every day someone in the UK dies waiting for a transplant, due to a shortage of people donating. At present, there are more than 7,000 people waiting for a transplant. However, as only 1,400 people die (only 1 percent) in circumstances where organ donation is possible, every donation is precious and can make such a difference.
In Totnes, 14 people are waiting for a transplant.
Families are far more likely to support donation if a person has registered their support of organ donation on the register, and families say it gives them comfort and reassurance to have that confirmation it was what their relative wanted.
Organ donation will only go ahead with the support of the family. This means it is just as important as ever to add your name and decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, because families are more likely to support the decision of someone who has registered.
Each organ donor has the potential to save or improve up to nine lives, or even more if people donate tissues – such as corneas, skin, and bone.
Register your organ donation decision here: www.organdonation.nhs.uk