NHS Fife today backed Organ and Tissue Donation Week by encouraging people to leave no doubt when it comes to their donation decision.
New figures released to coincide with the Week (26 September – 02 October) reveal that 55.4 per cent of people in the NHS Fife area have now registered their donation decision.
Of that figure, 52.2 per cent have recorded their decision to be a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register, with 3.2 per cent choosing to opt out.
In Scotland, everyone has a choice when it comes to organ and tissue donation - to be a donor, or to opt out.
If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it is assumed they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.
Associate Director of Nursing and Chair of NHS Fife’s Organ and Tissue Donation Committee, Nicola Robertson, said:
“In Scotland, around 500 people on average are waiting on an organ transplant, however only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible.
“That means every opportunity for donation is precious. I’d encourage people to help make Organ and Tissue Donation Week count by recording their decision and sharing it with family and friends.”
Minister for Public Health Maree Todd said:
“There are so many inspiring stories which show the difference a transplant can make to someone’s life.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to think about their donation decision and make it known by recording it on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
“Donation remains a personal decision, but whatever you decide, recording it and sharing it with loved ones can make it easier for them to ensure it is honoured. I hope Organ and Tissue Donation Week prompts more of those important conversations.” People can register their donation decision and find out more at www.organdonation.scot or by calling 0300 123 2323.
