WI Resolution 2014

May is the month within which the WI debate and vote on the proposed Resolution.  A number of resolutions are presented to WIs early in the year and members are asked to vote on which one they would like to go forward to the next stage.  This year one was selected from the short-list of five; and it is this we will examine and vote on at our May meeting.  The proposed resolution for 2014 regards organ donation.

“The NFWI notes that three people die every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant. We call on every member of the WI to make their wishes regarding organ donation known, and to encourage their families and friends, and members of their local communities to do likewise.”

Currently the UK’s consent rate is one of the lowest in Europe – last year 4 out of 10 families said no to donating their loved one’s organ to be donated, even when that person was on the Organ Donation Register.  It is the lack of decisions from thousands of people who die every year, and the subsequent decisions of family members, who often simply do not know the wishes of the deceased, that explain the low donation rates.

The resolution seeks to encourage WI members, their families and friends to make a choice and make it known, so that their wishes can be respected upon their death.  This resolution has the potential to add thousands of new would–be donors, each of whom can change 9 lives through the gift of organ transplant.

Before members discuss and vote on the complex issues raised by this resolution, Bognor Regis WI is extremely fortunate that two speakers will present to us two sides of organ donation – the professional and the personal. Dr. Albertyn is a Consultant Intensive Anaesthetist and WSHT (Western Sussex Hospital Trust) Clinical Lead for organ donation and transplant. Angela Fisher is Chair of the Organ Donation & Transplant Committee and the Non-Clinical Lead for organ donation and transplant for WSHT; she is also a donor family and has first-hand experience of the donation process. Their presentation will cover the background of the need to increase awareness and show the benefit of organ donation for those waiting on the transplant list, and will finish with a Q&A session.

With two speakers on hand to answer our questions, this year’s resolution meeting is sure to be a thought provoking evening.

Lesley Guppy