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“My whole family is in isolation because of my transplant. The government says 12 weeks, but we will stay at home for as long as it takes.
“People might think my life might be miserable staying at home for so long. But really, every day is a gift, thanks to the selfless decision my donor family made 3 years ago. The best way to thank them is to look after myself and stay safe 💚💚💚
“Here I am enjoying the sunshine in our garden. There are magic moments in every day, even during dark times. Take care everyone 🙏” – Alice’s Liver Transplant Journey

Dying to be Heard: Time to talk AND listen about organ donation

Dying to be Heard is the theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week, 11-17 May. Consider the other side of the conversation – talking yes, but listening too. If you’ve already made your organ donation decision, do you know the decision of those around you? Chris Cormack considers changes in the law on organ donation starting on 20 May 2020.

“Thank you NHS from Daisy and Jasper! Jasper has recently celebrated his three year kidney transplant anniversary.”

Did you know that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the ‘excluded groups’? Now is the time to consider your options, register and share your decision.

‘Excluded groups’  means people under 18, those who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action, people who have lived in England for less than 12 months or who are not living here voluntarily, and those who have nominated someone else to make the decision on their behalf.

People will still have a choice: families will still be consulted, and people’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected. Where the individual hasn’t expressed a decision, specialist nurses will support their families to make a decision, based on what their loved ones would have wanted. If the decision is not to donate, this will be honoured and upheld.

“My mum, Shobhna, had a transplant just a few weeks ago at Hammersmith Hospital. She’s doing really well recovering and self isolating in the midst of everything 👏🏽💪🏽

Every organ donor is precious – organ donation is only possible in very limited circumstances. It will not go ahead if a potential donor tests positive for Covid-19, but there are still life-saving organ transplants taking place right now, bringing hope to seriously ill patients on the Transplant Waiting List.

Anthony Clarkson, director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

“This year during Dying Matters Awareness Week, we are asking everyone to talk about organ donation. Not only is it important to register your choice but also to discuss your decision with your family and friends.

“Your family will always be involved in discussions about the possibility of donation, so it is vital you share your choice with them, whether you are with them in person, or are staying connected via a chat over the phone or on family Zoom or Skype calls.”

If organ donation becomes a possibility, relatives find it much easier to support a loved one’s decision if they already know what they wanted.

Your family will be involved in organ donation discussions, so you can make things easier  by telling them what you want to happen. Anyone can join the NHS Organ Donor Register – age and medical conditions are not necessarily a barrier to donation. One donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation and save and transform even more by donating tissue. The Human Tissue Authority have prepared a new Code of Practice for healthcare workers. This will ensure that everyone understands the rules and regulations of the new system.

Please make your choice known right here, right now:  register it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family. Opt in or opt out online or call 0300 123 23 23.

 

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Posted 09:57 Friday, May 15, 2020 In: Health Matters

Also in: Health Matters

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