Published on: 18 June 2019

 Leading Consultant Kidney Specialist Dr Saeed Ahmed, who works at Sunderland Royal Hospital, will be among those highlighting the importance of organ donation at an event in Newcastle on June 23rd.

 

Every day across the UK, three people who could have benefited from a transplant die because there are not enough organ donors. Eight out of 10 people in England say they would definitely donate or would consider donating their organs but only a third have told their family that they want to donate.

 

From spring 2020, a new organ donation law will come into effect which will mean all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups*.

 

The ‘Let’s talk about organ donation’ event, which will be held at Newcastle Eagles Community Arena in Scotswood Road, Newcastle, is being supported by NHS Blood and Transplant and the British Islamic Medical Association.

 

NHS Blood and Transplant has launched a national campaign, ‘Pass it on’ to clearly communicate that the law is changing and the choices available, as well as encouraging people to make a decision and share this with their family.

 

Dr Ahmed, who is the Renal Clinical Lead for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Events such as these are very important in the light of the change in the law for organ donation which will take place next year. Only 37% of over 16s in England are currently aware that the law is changing so there is clearly a need to raise awareness among communities.

“Organ donation is a precious gift which demonstrates amazing generosity on behalf of donors and their families at an incredibly difficult time. Just one donor can save or transform up to nine lives through actual organ donation and can save and transform even more by donating tissue. With the change in the law, it is now more important than ever that people make their choice about whether or not to donate, and that they pass their decision on to those closest to them.”

 

Anyone can join the NHS Organ Donor Register, age and medical conditions are not necessarily a barrier to donation. It is quick and easy to join, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

 

‘Let’s talk about organ donation’ on Sunday, June 23rd, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, is open to the North East public, as well as healthcare professionals. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to hear from patients, as well as scholars, clinicians and experts in the field. It is free to attend and booking can be done online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/britishima/267851

 

Notes to editors 

Those excluded under the new organ donation law will be people under 18, people who lack the capacity to understand the change and people who have lived in England for less than 12 months before their death or who are not living here voluntarily.