Families saving lives through deceased organ donation at NNUH

New national figures reveal there were 22 lifesaving deceased organ donors at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) last year, helping the UK reach its highest ever number of donors.

In total, 31 families consented to donation at NNUH, and for various reasons their loved one was not able to go onto donate in nine of these cases. This shows that NNUH patients and their families are amongst the most supportive for organ donation in the country and means that 48 patients received a lifesaving or life-changing organ transplant through the generosity of these selfless donors and their families.

The figures have been released by NHS Blood and Transplant to mark the publication of the annual Transplant Activity Report today (Monday, July 9).

Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation, Natalie Ashley, who is based at NNUH said: “It is fantastic news that NNUH is leading the way on organ donation and that awareness is growing in Norfolk. Even in your 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s you can still save lives. Make sure that you have these conversations with your loved ones so that they know your wishes.”

The national report reveals there is growing support for organ donation around the country. Nationally, there was a record number of organ donors, with 1574 people saving lives through deceased organ donation over the last year.

Natalie added: “We encourage people to chat about their organ donation wishes with loved ones. If you want to be a donor, your family’s support is still needed for donation to go ahead, even if you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Signing on to the register only takes a few minutes and you could save someone’s life.”

Mark Davies, Chief Executive at NNUH said: “As a trust, we’re incredibly grateful to all the brave and selfless families who agreed to donate their loved one’s organs for lifesaving transplants. It’s fantastic to see that awareness of organ donation is growing in Norfolk.”

For more information on how to join the NHS Organ Donor register, please visit: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

Notes to editors:

• The figures mentioned are taken from 2017/18 calendar year.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. Its remit includes the provision of a reliable, efficient supply of blood and associated services to the NHS in England. It is also the organ donor organisation for the whole of the UK and is responsible for matching and allocating donated organs.