families are being urged to share\ntheir organ donation decision this festive season so that their loved ones know\nwhat they want when they die, and more patients can receive the transplants\nthey need.<\/p>
figures releases by nhs blood and\ntransplant show that more than 6,000 people are facing christmas on the waiting\nlist for an organ transplant, with over 180 children awaiting a life-saving\ngift. <\/p>
anthony clarkson, director of organ\ndonation and transplantation at nhs blood and transplant, said: \u201cchristmas is\nan incredibly busy time of year, however away from the rush and bustle of\npreparing for the holiday it should also be a time for family and thinking of\nothers.<\/p>
\u201cwe are urging everyone to take a\nmoment to think about the people who will spend their christmas hoping for just\none thing; a lifesaving organ transplant. would you like to help if you could?\nif you needed a transplant, would you want someone to donate to you?<\/p>
\u201cplease let your family know what your\norgan donation decision is so that we can save more lives. every precious organ\ndonor allows more families to spend special times together.<\/p>
\u201ca quick chat can save lives, and we\nknow that even at a time of grief families take enormous comfort and pride from\ntheir loved one\u2019s donation.\u201d<\/p>
from spring 2020 in england and autumn 2020 in scotland, the law around organ donation is changing. all adults will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate, known as \u2018opt out\u2019, or are in one of groups not covered by the new organ donation law. this system was introduced in wales in december 2015 and in jersey in july this year.<\/p>
families will still always be involved\nin organ donation, so it is vital that they know your choice. in the lead up to\nthe change in law, nhs blood and transplant is urging families to talk and\nshare their decision. <\/p>