You could save up to nine lives

These days, superheroes come in all shapes and sizes.

By donating organs and tissue, we could all be a superhero - saving up to 9 lives.

That's why it's important to know about changes that have just been made to the law for organ donation.

Many people here have already chosen to register, over 1 million people in fact, but so many others haven't, nor have they shared their wishes with family members.

On the 1st June, the system for registration was changed to an opt-out system - meaning now we all could save lives, even if we haven't taken the time to say it while we're alive.

Over 140 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list, and sadly each year 10-15 people die waiting for an organ.

In the event that organ donation is a possibility after you die, it will be considered that you agree to being an organ donor unless you choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.

Organ donation is a personal decision and you will still have a choice if you wish to donate or not.

The best way to opt-out is to register a decision not to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

What does this mean for you?

Under the new law, it will be considered that you agree to the possibility of donating your organs and tissue when you die, unless you have confirmed otherwise, or are from one of the excluded groups.

Excluded groups include:

• Those under the age of 18

• People who lack the mental capacity to understand the change in law

• Visitors to Northern Ireland

• Temporary residents

You still have the choice about whether or not you want to become a donor. Your family will continue to be consulted, and decisions based on faith and belief will continue to be respected.

The decision will always remain with you, the individual, and your family. Whatever you decide, please let your family know. This will help them to support your decision at a difficult time.

What do I need to do and when?

I do not want to be considered as an organ donor

If you do not want to be considered as an organ donor when you die, you need to opt out on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You can also let family and friends know that you do not wish to donate.

If you have any questions about the law change and wish to speak to a member of the team you can contact the NHSBT dedicated opt-out team on 0300 303 2094.

Please remember to talk to loved ones about your decision so they know how you feel.

I want to be an organ donor

If you decide you would like to donate your organs or tissue after your death, please record this decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Even after the law changes, you can still register your decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register, to show your support for the ‘gift of life’. This is a great way to reinforce your donation decision.

Families will continue to be consulted before donation would proceed, so it's very important to make sure your family are aware of your decision by having a chat - this will help them support your decision at a very difficult time.

I am unsure

If you don’t want to make an organ donation decision yourself, or if you have specific instructions, you can appoint someone to make that decision for you. If you die in circumstances where donation is possible, the person you nominate as your representative will be asked if your organs should be donated. Download the pdf form to nominate a representative.

It is important that everyone takes a decision on organ donation - whether that is to donate or not to donate - registers this decision on the Organ Donor Register, and makes this decision known to family and friends.

Why do I need to tell my family?

Each year, hundreds of opportunities for transplants are missed because families aren't sure what to do.

That’s because only 50% of families agree to organ donation if they do not know their loved ones’ decision. But this rises to 9 out if 10 if families are aware of what their loved one would have wanted.

Deciding to become an organ donor is entirely your decision but it does affect your family. Should you die in circumstances that would allow donation to be possible, your family will be consulted and any decision they make will be respected. When people know their loved ones’ organ donation decision, it makes the situation less stressful and can give your family the confidence to fulfil your decision to be an organ donor.

When someone dies, it can be a difficult and stressful time for those closest to them. By signing the register and talking to your family about your decision, you are removing the burden from them to make that decision for you. Families can take comfort from knowing what you wanted and from seeing something positive coming from their loss.

How should I tell my family?

One of the main reasons people give for not discussing donation is that it never comes up in conversation. Other people say they just haven’t got around to talking about it yet, and some people feel reluctant to talk about what happens after their death.

But talking about organ donation with your family doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some suggestions to help start the conversation:

• You could talk about this Cool FM article

• You could use a recent story that has featured on social media

• You could talk about a story that has featured on the news

• Explain that an organ donor can save or transform up to nine lives

• Explain how you arrived at your decision – what prompted you to sign the Organ Donor Register?