The number of people signing the organ donation register in Forth Valley has increased substantially. More than 35,000 people have added their names over the past three years and a further 3,000 signatures would bring the percentage who have signed up to the national average of 51%. To sign up visit www.weneedeverybody.org
The success comes on the back of events in Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Stirling and Falkirk Community Hospitals to support national Organ Donation Week. They were supported by Jane Hall, a former NHS Forth Valley Emergency Department nurse who carried out her husband’s wishes to donate his organs.
Jane Hall invited people to have a special ‘heart’ cup cake and hear how talking about organ donation with her husband, prior to him suffering a catastrophic brain haemorrhage, helped make the decision to donate his organs easy.
Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist, Dr Helen Tyler, who is the clinical lead for organ donation in NHS Forth Valley, said: “We have been making a concerted effort in Forth Valley to increase awareness of the importance of organ. Although more than 800 people in Scotland had an organ transplant last year there are still more than 550 people waiting. We want to encourage people to discuss organ donation with their family and friends to help ensure their views are known. ”
