Organ Donation Week, 7-13 September 2020

In the UK… 

•    Every day, someone dies waiting for a transplant
•    Around 6,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant
•    Only around 7,000 people a year die in circumstances where they are able to donate organs. 

This week is Organ Donation Week (7 – 13 September). The aim is to raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation. It’s also an opportunity to shine a light on the generosity of donors and the incredible impact that they have on the people that receive transplants.  

Earlier this year a new law came into effect that states – all adults in England are considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate (known as ‘opting out’) or are in one of the excluded groups. 

Excluded groups include people under 18, those who lack mental capacity, people who have lived in England for less than 12 months, people who are not living here voluntarily and those who have nominated someone else to make the decision on their behalf.

In cases where the individual hasn’t expressed a decision, specialist nurses will support families to make a decision, based on what their loved ones would have wanted. If the decision is not to donate, this will be honoured and upheld.

Have a conversation
Organ donation week is the perfect time to have a conversation with your loved ones and share your donation decision. There is also an opportunity to become a voluntary living organ donor.
For more information about this and the new law, visit the website www.organdonation.nhs.uk.