Currently there are over 7,000 people on the UK national transplant waiting list and last year, around 1,500 people died whilst on the waiting list for a transplant, writes Dave Joyce, CWU's National Health Safety and Environment Officer in his Letter to Branches (LTB484/2016)
In line with CWU Conference 2011 policy carried in motion 85, the Health, Safety & Environment Department is once again promoting organ and blood donation with the aim of raising awareness of the need for more new donors to save lives and to get people to talk about it and to sign on to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Whilst this issue is often seen as something that happens to somone else, the loss of a loved one to a person we know often focuses the mind on the needless loss of life; if only there had been a donor organ available in time.
Dave Joyce is one such person to suffer the loss of a young family member, and to whom the words, 'if only' must resonate throughout his family. At the age of only 23, Dave's niece Patsy died awaiting a heart and Lung transplant that never came.
Dave's LTB features Posters and a leaflet to download and print off for distribution and display.
The LTB lists six key messages regarding the campaign:
- Three people die every day in the UK in need of a transplant.
- You can help save lives after your death - one organ donor can save and transform up to nine lives.
- Tell your loved ones you want to be an organ donor so they know you have made a decision to donate if and when you can.
- Anyone can register. There are no barriers to joining the ODR.
- Even if you carry a donor card you should sign onto the NHS Organ Donor Register to make a lasting record of your wishes.
- To register or find out more call the Organ Donor Line (See below contact details).
1,000
On average one thousand people each year in the UK, that’s 3 a day – will die because there are not enough organs available!
30%
Less than 30% of us have joined the Organ Donor Register! – why not sign-up TODAY?
90%
Over 90% of families will agree to Organ Donation if a loved one is registered AND has discussed their wishes. This drops to 40% if donation wishes are not known!
96%
Over 96% of us would take an Organ if we needed one – so why not help ensure those organs are available by signing the Organ Donor Register?
Registration is Easy
The on line form takes about 2 minutes to complete on-line here or pick up a leaflet from your GP, Medical Centre, Hospital or by contacting NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) Phone – 0300 123 23
You can download the full LTB containing further information and attachments to help promote the campaign.
Source: CWU
