It’s National Transplant Week. Steve Nolan from the IW NHS has this special appeal, in his own words. Ed
The average person in the UK spends an hour waiting every day – whether it’s in traffic, on public transport or in a queue. But for those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, for whom there is often no alternative, the wait is on average up to three years.
In a survey commissioned by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), people were asked what they commonly waited for, how long and how they felt about it. The survey highlighted the emotional impact of waiting which results in increased levels of frustration, anger and anxiety.
More organ donors needed
The results, announced during National Transplant Week (4-10th July), are being used to highlight the need for more organ donors to help reduce the waiting times for those in need of kidney, liver, heart and other solid organ transplants.
At St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, members of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are talking to staff and members of the public to help raise awareness of organ donation as part of Transplant Week.
Tissue donations also needed
Dr. Oliver Cramer, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Associate Director of Medical Education commented: “I would encourage people to join the Organ Donation Register and ask people to really think about this year’s campaign message about how frustrating it can be to wait, particularly for a transplant. Along with organ donation, the team in ICU also ask for tissue donations which include corneas, heart valves, skin, tendons and ligaments, something which is not often thought about but all of which can help greatly improve the recipient’s quality of life.
“I understand that organ donation can be a difficult subject to discuss, but by registering as a donor, you not only will take a lot of pressure off your loved ones in case they are asked, it will also really help to reduce the waiting list. Anyone can register on the Organ Donation Register. Age isn’t a barrier to being an organ or tissue donor and neither are most medical conditions. People in their 70s and 80s have become organ donors and saved many lives whilst the oldest recorded cornea donor was 104 years old.”
“My life is on hold”
Victoria Tremlett, a 24 year old cystic fibrosis sufferer has been waiting for a life saving lung transplant for four years: “I was told I’d only live for 18 months when I was put on the waiting list for a transplant. Four years later I’m still fighting but the wait is hard. My life is on hold. I’d love to be able to do normal things that most people find frustrating like spending half an hour waiting for a bus. I’d urge everyone to join the NHS Organ Donor Register today.”
If you believe in organ donation, prove it. Join 18 Million registered donors in the UK and a lot of Islanders, headed by the Lord Lieutenant.
Register now at organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23
