FAMILIES are being urged to talk about organ donation a year after the law changed so people have to choose to opt out.
The NHS Blood and Transplant have launched a Leave Them Certain campaign, which aims to encourage families to have conversations about organ donation.
On May 20 – the first anniversary of the change – the service renewed its appeal for families to have a conversation about their wishes as they will always be involved before a donation proceeds.
Executive Medical Director, Dr Alison Walker said: “As a doctor who has had conversations with families when organ donation is an option, I know how important it is that family members know the wishes of the person who may become an organ donor.
“Thousands of people and their families have benefitted from an organ transplantation.
“Organ donation saves lives and improves the quality of life for so many people who are critically ill or with serious life-limiting conditions.
“The NHS respects the wishes of all individuals who have expressed a preference related to organ donation and everyone should have the conversation.
“Have a look at the NHS Blood and Transplant ‘Leave Them Certain’ information about having the conversation which might save lives and leave our loved ones with more certainty about what we would like them to do if we were not able to say it ourselves.”
For more visit https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/talk-to-your-loved-ones/
