Time to discuss organ donation as Spring 2020 brings a change in law

Families are being urged to discuss their organ donation wishes as Spring 2020 will see all adults listed as organ donors, unless they choose to opt out or are part of an exempt group.

According to the Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2018/19, being published today, 18 people across Nottinghamshire gave the gift of life last year, by donating their organs after death. Nationally, there was a record number of organ donors, with 1,600 people saving lives through deceased organ donation over the last year.

However, the report also shows that across the UK, fewer people died in circumstances where they were able to donate their organs – 225 fewer than in 2017/18. This means it is more important than ever that every person who wants and is able to donate their organs after death, is given the opportunity to do so. Sadly, in Nottinghamshire over the last five years, 30 people died before they received the organ they desperately needed.

Organ donation is a relatively rare event in the UK, because although around half a million people die each year, only around 1% do so in circumstances which allow organs to be donated. 

As of Spring 2020 all adults will be listed as having agreed to donate their organs after death, unless they record a decision against this or are a member of an excluded group. 

Specialist nurses will continue to approach the families of potential donors, and will be asked to support their relative’s decision to donate. Talking about your organ donation wishes to your loved ones is hugely important, so they know that it was what you wanted to happen after your death. 

Sharing your organ donation decision to your relatives makes it much easier for everybody involved to support your choice.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We’re incredibly grateful to all the courageous donors and their families across the country, who helped us to save so many lives last year.

“Organ donation is the only hope for many desperately ill people. We know many families feel a sense of pride and comfort from their decision to let their final act to be saving lives through organ donation.

“There are 89 people in Nottinghamshire waiting for a transplant now. Their only hope for a new life is that a family in their time of grief will make the wonderful decision to agree to organ donation. 

“With the law around organ donation changing in England from next spring, we urge everyone to find out about the choices available to them, make their decision and share it with their family.”

It’s your choice whether or not you want to donate your organs. Please register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register and ensure you tell your family: www.organdonation.nhs.uk