If you needed an organ transplant would you have one?

If you needed an organ transplant would you have one?

This year, National Transplant Week will be taking place from 7^th-13^th September 2015. The campaign aims to help those in need of a transplant and NHS Borders would like you to say “I Do” by signing up on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Deciding whether or not to become a donor after you have died is a very personal matter and it’s important that everyone makes their own decision and shares that decision with others.

In Scotland, around 540 people are currently waiting for a transplant that will give them a second chance at life. By registering on the NHS Organ Donor Register you could give up to seven people that second chance.

Mr Jacques Kerr, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at NHS Borders encourages Borderers to join the register by reminding them that: “Transplants are a miraculous achievement of modern medicine but they depend entirely on people expressing their wishes by registering on the Organ Donor Register.  By doing this you could help to make sure life goes on for many others after you are gone.”

He added: “Unfortunately sometimes we find people who wish to donate have not informed or discussed this decision with their families. Telling your family is just as important as registering and can save them unnecessary distress during an already difficult time.”

To find out more about organ donation and to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.