12/03/2020
We are highlighting World Kidney Day 2020 (12 March 2020) by calling for more people in the Western Trust area to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.
World Kidney Day (WKD) was first established in 2006 to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys in relation to our overall health, while also seeking to reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.
Every year an estimated 50,000 people in the UK are being treated for end stage kidney failure. 90% of those on the transplant waiting list are waiting for a new kidney and sadly there are still not enough organs available.
Dr Declan Grace, Lead Clinician for Organ Donation at the Western Trust said: “The Western Trust is appealing for everyone who has not yet signed up to the Organ Donor Register to please do so today to mark World Kidney Day. I cannot express enough the importance of registration. Kidney transplants save and transform lives.
“Although the number of successful transplants carried out in Northern Ireland is increasing, many more could be performed each year if more kidneys were available.”
Dr Grace continued: “Organ donation really is the gift of life and the Western Trust is encouraging everyone to join the Organ Donor register and tell their loved ones that they wish to be a donor, so that they are aware of their wishes.
“Deciding to become an organ donor is entirely your decision but it does affect your family. After your death, your next of kin will be consulted on whether your organs can be donated, even if you carry a donor card, and any decision they make will be respected. When families or friends know the wishes of their loved ones it makes the situation less stressful and can give them the confidence to fulfil your wish to be an organ donor.”
There are many ways to register as a potential donor:
- Register online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or www.organdonationni.info
- Register when applying for or renewing a driving licence.
- Register when registering with a G.P Practice.
- Telephone the N.H.S. Donor Line 0300 123 23 23. Telephone lines are open 24 hours a day all year round.
- Download a form from www.organdonation.nhs.uk, print it and return it by Freepost
- Register when applying for a Boot’s Advantage Card.