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NHS organ donor register celebrates 25 years


By Chris Saunderson

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People in Grampian are being encouraged to make their organ donation decision known as the NHS Organ Donor Register marks its 25 year milestone.

People's lives are transformed by organ donation.
People's lives are transformed by organ donation.

Since its creation, there have been 1868 organ donors in Scotland – a third (33 per cent) of which were known to be on the Register – leading to over 6200 lives being saved or improved.

In Grampian, 49.9 per cent of the population are currently on the NHS Organ Donor Register, with just over 2.6 million people having already registered their donation decision nationally (49 per cent of the Scottish population).

The centralised donor register allows specialist nurses in organ donation to quickly and easily check if someone has indicated they wish to donate and the register will continue to play an important role when the law around organ and tissue donation changes next Autumn.

The change in law means that if people have not confirmed whether they want to be an organ donor, it may be assumed they’re willing to donate when they die.

A sensitive discussion with the family will always take place and any decision registered will be made available to families to help them support what their relative would have wanted.

Everyone has a choice, people are being encouraged to make their organ decision known, now and in the lead up to the law change, by recording it on the register and importantly talking to their family about what they would want to happen.

Dr Paul Gamble, NHS Grampian clinical lead for organ donation said: “Organ donation is a precious gift which saves and transforms lives. On this landmark anniversary and ahead of the law changing in Autumn 2020, we’re encouraging people to think about their donation decision and make it known.

“As families are always involved in organ donation discussions, you can make it easier for them by telling them what you would want to happen.

“Everyone has a choice, and they can record their decision on the NHS organ donor register at any time.”

There are over 550 people in Scotland currently waiting on a transplant. One donor can save or transform the lives of up to nine people and even more by donating tissue.

People can find out more about the opt out system of organ and tissue donation, and their choices at organdonationscotland.org

It is quick and easy to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. Call 0300 123 23 23 or visit organdonationscotland.org

Every day across the UK someone dies waiting for an organ transplant.


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