41 lives saved by organ donors in Dorset
Organ donors saved the lives of 41 people in Dorset last year.
This week is Organ Donation Week and we're being urged to talk to our families so more people will donate, and save lives.
New stats show 41 peoples lives were saved thanks to organ donors in Dorset last year.
On 20th May this year, the law around organ donation in England changed to an 'opt out' system. This means you will be considered willing to donate your organs, unless you have opted out, are in one of the excluded groups, or have told your family you don't want to donate.
NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to talk about donation with family members so they know your wishes when the time comes. They want you to tell your family if you do want to donate, so more lives can be saved.
Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said:
“We need more people in Dorset to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.
“Even now the law has changed, families will still be approached before organ donation goes ahead. So it remains so important to talk to your families and make sure they know what you want to happen.
“Register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family the choice you have made. If the time comes, we know families find the organ donation conversation with nurses or medical teams much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.”
Find out more and register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.