This week (w/c 2nd September 2019) is Organ Donation week.  This is the week when we remind everyone about how important organ donation is.  One organ donor can save or transform the lives of up to 9 people.  Tissue transplants can also significantly improve a person’s quality of life.  This might be a cornea to help someone see again, a replacement heart valve to treat a heart defect, or skin to treat severe burns.

From Spring 2020 all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ and tissue donor when they die, unless they recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.  This is commonly referred to as the ‘opt-out’ system.

However, even after this change in the law, on your death you family will still be involved, so it is still very important that you have a conversation with your loved ones so they know your wishes.

I took these photos in St Richard’s Hospital yesterday.  They show Lesley, and our new volunteer Angela, proudly showing our displays around the hospital.  Besides the bunting, they have leaflets urging people to join the NHS Organ Donation Register and explaining the change in the law.

If you are not registered and would like to … click here.

Kate Claisse