“Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt” is the message NHS Lanarkshire is supporting during Organ & Tissue Donation Week (22-29 September).
People aged 16 and over are being encouraged to record their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register – and to tell their loved ones, too.
The call comes as new data shows Lanarkshire is among the health boards with the lowest number of residents who’ve registered their donation preference – 49 per cent of locals have opted in and three per cent have opted out.
Among those in Lanarkshire who’ve benefited from organ transplants are renal (kidney) patients.
Dr Vivienne Li, NHS Lanarkshire Renal Consultant & Clinical Lead for Transplant, said: “It’s incredibly important to make – and then share – your organ and tissue donation decision so that your loved ones are not left in any doubt about your choice and to ensure your decision is honoured.
“People in Scotland aged 16 and over can choose to be an organ and tissue donor or to opt out. If you do nothing, it’s assumed you agree to be a donor if donation is possible after you pass away.
“Whatever your decision, it’s vital that you make sure you record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family and those closest to you. Knowing your decision will make it easier for them to have your wishes honoured.
“In my job I see first-hand the life-changing benefits of the transplants that are made possible through donation.
“One case that will remain with me throughout my career is supporting and managing one of my transplant patients through her pregnancy. It’s a delight to hear about her family every time she attends clinic, knowing this was made possible by the gift of organ donation.
“The benefit that organ donation can bring is immeasurable. With more people on the transplant waiting list, it’s important that your loved ones are aware of your decision about donation.”
You can register your donation decision and find out more at www.organdonation.scot or call 0300 123 2323. You can choose to donate some or all of these organs:
- Heart (including heart valves)
- Lungs
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
- Small bowel
You can also choose to donate your tissue. The most commonly donated are:
- Heart valves
- Tendons
- Parts of the eye, such as the cornea
- Patches of skin are also occasionally donated
