People are being urged to talk to their families about organ donation as the NHS revealed 115 people in Hertfordshire are still waiting for a transplant.
Last year, 70 lives were saved by organ transplants but more could be saved if more people agreed to donate their organs after they die.
The law around organ donation is changing in England. From spring 2020, all adults will be considered as having agreed to donate their organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.
As part of organ donation week, September 2-8, NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging people to consider donating their organs after they die.
Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said Anthony Clarkson: “We need more people in Hertfordshire 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.”
A recent survey of adults in England for NHS Blood and Transplant found that while 84 per cent agreed it was important to let those closest to you know your views on organ donations, only 40 per cent had shared their organ donation decision with their family or partner.
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.”
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