Sign up and save lives at Freshers’ Fair

Despite over 500,000 people signing up throughout Northern Ireland to the NHS Organ Donor Register, there are still not enough organs available for transplant.  With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) will be hosting a stand at Queen’s University Freshers’ Fair on 28 September to increase awareness of this important issue and to help improve rates of organ donation in Northern Ireland.

All the students attending the Freshers’ Fair will be encouraged to sign the organ donor register and members of the Northern Ireland Transplant Association (NITA) and specialist nurses form NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) will be attending to address any questions or concerns they may have.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, said: “Organ donor registration has increased in Northern Ireland and we have seen a huge amount of support for organ donation when the Transplant Games were held here in August. People turned out in the masses to cheer on transplant athletes in what was a very memorable weekend of sporting events in Northern Ireland.

“I’m hoping that the organ donation stand at Queen’s Freshers’ Fair will encourage more of the community to join the register. The vast majority of people support organ donation, but too many put off registering until a later date. This is a chance for all our students to sign up and saves lives. Unfortunately there not enough organs available and the reality is that some people will die waiting.”

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “We can help others in need and save lives by joining the Organ Donor Register and by discussing our wish to donate an organ with family and friends.

“I would ask everyone in Northern Ireland, who has not already done so, to take the simple step today of registering on the Organ Donor Register; it is one of the most generous things a human being can do to help others.”