SILHILLIANS are being called on to speak with their families about organ donation in a bid to help save lives.
During Organ Donation Week, which runs from September 2 to 8, NHS Blood and Transplant are urging people to talk with loved ones.
Last year, 435 people in the West Midlands had their lives saved by a transplant, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.
It adds there are currently 615 in the West Midlands still waiting for that life-saving call.
From spring 2020, 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.
Even after the law has changed, families will continue to be approached before organ donation goes ahead.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We need more people in the West Midlands to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.
“Even after the law around organ donation changes next year, families will still be approached before organ donation goes ahead. So it remains so important to talk to your families about your views.
“Register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family the choice you have made. If the time comes, we know families find the organ donation conversation with nurses or medical teams much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.”
For more or to register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
