30/08/2018

People In North West Urged To Register As Organ Donors

People from the North West are being encouraged to register as Organ Donors and to inform their loved ones of their wishes.

Making the call ahead of Organ Donation Week, SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan, said: "The matter of Organ Donation is an extremely important one and one we can all get involved in. Be an inspiration, sign up and encourage others to do the same.

"Of course we must acknowledge the altruism and foresight of those already on the Organ Donation register and the efforts made by multiple agencies to educate the public on the importance of organ donation. The SDLP believe that an opt-out organ donation scheme is the most effective way of remedying this issue.

"The reality is that the number of donors does not meet current need and unfortunately there are still people here dying on transplant waiting lists.

"This decision is an entirely personal one but it is important to have the conversation with family and friends and make your wishes known.

"I would encourage everyone to educate themselves on the issue and join the register ahead of Organ Donation week. Anyone over the age of 14 can sign the Organ Donor Register- in a few minutes you can make an inspirational decision which has the possibility to save and transform multiple lives.

"We have the power to change that. Speak up and save a life."

(MH/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 July 2001
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
11 April 2013
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
19 September 2023
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
09 July 2015
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
21 September 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.