Give the gift of life this Christmas

With the holiday season in full swing, most of us will be waiting with anticipation to see what Santa might bring. Sadly though, there are many people who can't wait. Their must-have gift is something far more vital than the latest gadget or toy – it's a life-changing organ.

With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone in Northern Ireland to give something amazing this Christmas by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register and giving the ‘Gift of Life’.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “Christmas is a time for showing our love and appreciation of others – signing the NHS Organ Donor Register provides an excellent opportunity in which we can showcase this.

“In Northern Ireland around 200 people are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly the chance will come too late for many. Despite many advances and awareness-raising activities by various organisations in recent years, still only 31% of the population in Northern Ireland are on the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

“I am appealing for everyone who has not yet signed the register to please do so today; transplantation is a lifesaving gift that keeps on giving.

Dr Paul Glover, Regional, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation said: “There is no greater gift any of us can give than the gift of life.  In becoming an organ donor after your death, you can save and transform the lives of up to 9 people.  There are no alternatives to organ transplantation for those people who need life-saving transplants. By signing on the ODR and telling your family, you can be a life-saver after your death.”

“If you have not already signed the ODR, please take the time to fill in a form online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk;  alternatively text DONATE to 62323 or call the NHS Donor line on 0300 123 23 23.

“It is important that you discuss your wishes with the people closest to you so that, if the time ever comes, they will find it easier to carry out your wishes,” Dr Rooney concluded.