Help save a life

THE Northern Health and Social Care Trust is reminding people that we can all change lives and save lives by confirming our place on the Organ Donor Register and ensuring our loved ones know about this decision.

Last year, 123 people had their lives transformed through organ donation thanks to 44 amazing donors.
But sadly, more than 400 people across the UK died waiting for a transplant and demand continues to exceed the number of donated organs available.

Causeway Hospital will light up pink throughout Organ Donation Week (September 22-28) as a reminder to all of us about the powerful impact of organ donation.
As an organ donation specialist nurse, working in both Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital, Jacqueline Heasley, wants people to realise the difference they can make.

“Organ donation is often referred to as the gift of life and we are beyond grateful to all those families who have supported organ donation and helped to change the lives of recipients,” she said.
“The very sad reality is that someone will die today because they didn’t get the organ they so badly needed.
“This Organ Donation Week we are asking those who haven’t yet done so, to help save lives by taking two minutes to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donation Register and to talk to their loves ones about their decision so they can support it if the time comes.

“We know that 90% of families support organ donation when they are certain of a loved ones’ decision but when they are unsure this drops to 50%, which is why it is vitally important to have these conversations.
“Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one and you are more likely to need a transplant than you are to be a donor.
“Only 1% of people will be able to go on donate organs after they die and that is why every registration and family conversation is vital.”

By confirming your decision to be an organ donor, you are giving hope to the 8000 people on the waiting list in the UK.
Not sure if you’re registered? You can check by calling 0300 123 23 23. And there is no harm in registering again – it just shows how much you want to be a donor.

If you want to be an organ donor, the best way to make this known is by being on the NHS Organ Donor Register and talking to your family so they are aware and understand.
Visit www.organdonation
ni.info to find out more.