Surge in Nottinghamshire organ donation

Since the launch of Nottingham University Hospital’s ‘be a hero’ campaign on 1st January the ODR has increased by an extra 2,661 people.

In the City of Nottingham an extra 738 people joined the register in just a month. This is an increase of 181 per cent compared to an average month in 2012.

In Nottinghamshire an extra 1,923 people joined the register in just a month. This is an increase of 70 per cent compared to an average month in 2012.

More than 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant. Of these, three will die each day waiting as there are not enough organs available. In Nottinghamshire more than 160 people are waiting for a transplant.

Dale Gardiner, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation at NUH, said: “We are delighted to see the Organ Donor Register has increased throughout January - however we must not be complacent. Organ donation is the greatest gift one person can give to another and we need to continue to spread the word about the importance of joining the register.”

Anyone can register on the ODR. Age is not a barrier to being an organ or tissue donor and neither are most medical conditions. People in their 70s and 80s have become donors and saved many lives.

A spokesperson for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “It’s fantastic that more than 2,500 people have joined the Organ Donor Register in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire since the ‘be a hero’ campaign launched.

“By raising awareness of organ donation, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is getting people talking about and acting on their wishes, and both are vital to saving and improving more lives.

“We need everyone to think about organ donation, sign up to the register and tell their loved ones.”

At Nottingham University Hospitals last year, 13 donors allowed 39 patients to benefit from 40 organs. This generosity also accounted for the 95 kidney transplants carried out at City Hospital.