Campaign Launches For More Organ Donors

Members of the public in Northern Ireland are being urged to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about organ donation this Organ Donation Week.

Running from Monday 02 September, this year's theme is 'Words Save Lives', with the Department of Health and Public Health Agency appealing to everyone to have the conversation.

While around 45% of the local population have signed the Organ Donor register, the health service is crying out for more.

Anyone wishing to become a donor is reminded to let their family and friends know in order to enable them to make a positive choice.

A series of events are taking place this week, including illuminating iconic landmarks such as Parliament Buildings, Titanic Belfast and various local council buildings to raise awareness. Many of these events have been organised by local charities and people who have either had a loved one who donated an organ to give the gift of life, have received a life-saving transplant, or who are currently waiting on an organ.

The family of three-year-old Dáithí from Belfast, who is currently waiting on a new heart, got involved in this year's campaign. Dáithí's father Máirtín Mac Gabhann said: "Dáithí has been on the routine transplant waiting list for over a year. In that time we have been trying our best to normalise the conversation around organ donation.

"We believe that 'Words Save Lives', through sharing Dáithí's personal story, 1000s of people have joined the organ donor register, and we are convinced that numbers will continue to rise by talking about organ donation.

"This journey can be horribly isolating and lonely at times, but knowing that there are people out there willing to give that gift of life does make a difference. Dáithí is our inspiration and keeps us strong. We just want people to be open minded about organ donation and to have that conversation. Talking about organ donation and sharing your wishes with a loved one could one day save up to 9 lives. We need people to talk and think about organ donation today."

Those who require more information or wish to join the register can do so here.

Permanent Secretary of the DoH, Richard Pengelly said: "In Northern Ireland we are fortunate to have a good record of organ donation, which has enabled many people to receive the gift of life. However, with around 140 people currently waiting on a transplant we must do all we can to increase the number of donor organs available.

"I want to encourage everyone on Organ Donation Week to use this opportunity to discuss their wishes with friends and families and join the organ donor register."

Monica Hackett, Regional Manager with the Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, added: "Last year in Northern Ireland, 46 donors and their families generously said yes to organ donation, giving the gift of life to 106 recipients. But we need more families to agree to donation for more transplants to take place.

"Our Specialist Nurses support families at a very traumatic time in their lives to discuss their views and feelings about organ donation. If you have never talked about organ donation, it can be difficult for your family to know what you would have wanted. We know that fewer families agree to donation going ahead if they are unaware of their loved one's wishes. I would encourage everyone to think about donation discuss it with your friends and family and join the organ donor register."



(JG)