Appeal for more organ donors (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Appeal for more organ donors

9:39am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Pendle

STAFF, patients, carers and visitors to Airedale Hospital are being urged to sign up to the national organ donor register during national transplant awareness week.

Specialist nurse Rachel Wiseman will have an information stand at Airedale on Friday in a bid to spread the word about the importance of organ donation.

Around 8,000 people are waiting for a transplant nationally, but 1,000 will die every year while waiting.

Airedale, which caters for people living in Pendle, is implementing Government recommendations to try to improve donation rates.

Every potential organ donor’s family is given information where appropriate, and offered the opportunity to donate.

Ms Wiseman added: “While numbers of organs donated have increased over the past three years, there still remains a gap between supply and demand.

“We are working hard to raise awareness and encourage people to sign up to the organ donor register, not only within the trust but also in the community.

“It’s really important that everyone takes some time to think about this and discuss their wishes with their loved ones. If you wish to help others after your death, join the organ donor register.”