MONDAY 7, SEPTEMBER, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED.

L-R ALEX STEPHEN (REVIVAL), IRENE RUSSELL, DOUG CROSS, LYNNE MALLEY (SPECIALIST NURSE, BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT) AND DR STEPHEN COLE

National Transplant Week 7-13 September

NHS Tayside is supporting National Transplant Week from 7 September – 13 September.

This year’s campaign is called ‘7 Days to Say I Do’ and is focussing on encouraging individuals to discuss their decision about organ donation with those closest to them.

Speaking ahead of the launch of National Transplant Week in Tayside, Irene Russell, NHS Tayside Transplant Coordinator, said, “It is important to discuss your wishes with your family and loved ones. They are twice as likely to say yes if you talk to them first.

“One donor can save or transform up to nine lives and many more can be helped through the donation of tissues.

“Anyone can register on the Organ Donor Register - age isn’t always a barrier to being an organ or tissue donor and neither are most medical conditions.”

During National Transplant Week there will be information stands at Ninewells and PRI to raise awareness of just how successful transplants are and how crucial it is that people discuss their wishes.

Members of NHS Tayside Donation Committee, local charity Revival, transplant patients and members of the local transplant team will be manning the stalls on the concourse at Ninewells and in the reception area at PRI throughout the week.

Launching National Transplant Week at Ninewells, Doug Cross, NHS Tayside Vice Chairman said, “Even if you already carry a donor card I would encourage you to join the Organ Donor Register in order to make a lasting record of your wishes. There is no doubt that this most selfless gift can give an exceptional amount of comfort to those left behind following the death of a loved one.”

Currently 41.6% of the Tayside population is signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is just above the Scottish average of 41%.

The generosity of organ donors changed the lives of 378 people in Scotland last year, yet people died waiting for a transplant.

Please register by calling the Organ Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk and sign up to the online register.

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138