Trust sees record number of organ donations, UK

Source: Elmbridge Today

The number of vital organs donated and successfully transplanted at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust more than doubled last year, according to the latest statistics.

The number of people donating vital organs at a hospital trust serving Elmbridge is on the up, according to the latest statistics.

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said that 10 were donated and successfully transplanted at its hospitals last year.

That figure was just four in the previous year.

Despite the rise, the trust’s most senior doctor, medical director Dr James Clarke, is now urging more people to step forward and sign up to the organ donor register.

Currently, 10,000 people across the UK need a transplant and, of those, three people die every day.

“It is difficult to sum up just how incredible the gift of organ donation truly is,” said Dr Clarke.

“In the sad event of the death of a loved one, friends and relatives often take great comfort in knowing that their organs are helping another person to live.

“Organ donation can help to make some sense of what may seem like a completely senseless loss, and can give loved ones something positive to hold onto during a very difficult time.

“And of course, it can be the difference between life and death for another person.

“That’s why I would urge everyone to think about signing up to be an organ donor.

“Of course, it is a very personal decision to make, but it is definitely worth a few minutes of thought.”

For more information or to sign the organ donation register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

People can also join by calling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or by texting SAVE to 84118.