Hospital urges public to sign up as organ donors

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is urging people to sign up with the national Organ Donor Register.

Transplant Donor Co-ordinator Marie Garside says:  “One donor can give life to several people.  There is a critical shortage of organs and more than 8,000 people in the UK need an organ transplant, mostly awaiting a kidney transplant, and this includes over 500 people in East Anglia needing a transplant.  Every year around 1,000 people die while waiting.”

Retired company director Peter Stokes lost his wife suddenly in December 2007.  He and his family drew great comfort from the fact that his wife wished to donate her organs and no fewer than five successful transplants were possible, and four of those patients are still alive over two years on.  Mr Stokes was also pleased to know that other patients might benefit in the future from research using the other organs.

Mr Stokes says:  “There is a great sense of satisfaction that others have benefited which has really helped our family cope with the sadness of losing a loving wife and mother.”   

Organ donation is the theme for the next Medicine for Members talk at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital near the end of March. 
 
There are a small number of places left which will be available to those who join as members of the Foundation Trust.  To join as a member and book a place at the event, contact the Communications Department to book a place on 01603 287634 or e-mail membership@nnuh.nhs.uk

To sign up as an organ donor, call the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.  Leaflets are also displayed in GP surgeries, libraries and many hospitals and pharmacies or go to:  http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk