An urgent appeal for more people to become organ donors in the county has launched.

NHS Blood and Transplant are keen to see numbers increase during Organ Donation Week starting next Monday (September 2 – September 8).

Last year, 156 people in Essex had their lives saved by a transplant and there are currently 125 people across the county still waiting for that life-saving call.

A recent survey of adults in England for NHS Blood and Transplant found that only 40 per cent had shared their organ donation decision with their family or partner.

Anthony Clarkson, director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We need more people in Essex 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.”

From spring 2020, a new law will come into place where all adults in England will

be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die.

Those who do not wish to donate must fill out an “Opt Out” decision unless they are in one of the excluded groups such as donation their body to science.

Even after the law has changed, families will continue to be approached before organ donation goes ahead to make sure their relative’s wishes are fulfilled.

Mr Clarkson added: “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.”

Find out more and register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.

For additional information please call the press office on 01923 367 600 or email pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk