6 May 2011
New figures show that a record number of people donated vital organs at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals last year, bringing a new lease of life to a number of people across the region.
But now, the Trust's most senior doctor, Medical Director Dr James Clarke, is urging more people to step forward and sign up to the organ donor register. He said: "Last year, 10 organs were donated and successfully transplanted at our hospitals, which is a substantial increase from four successful donations the previous year. We are of course, very happy to see that those numbers are rising, but the sad fact of the matter is that people are dying whilst waiting for an organ."
In fact, 10,000 people across the UK currently need a transplant, and of those, three people die every day.
James added: "It is difficult to sum up just how incredible the gift of organ donation truly is. In the sad event of the death of a loved one, friends and relatives often take great comfort in knowing that their organs are helping another person to live.
"Organ donation can help to make some sense of what may seem like a completely senseless loss, and can give loved ones something positive to hold onto during a very difficult time. And of course, it can be the difference between life and death for another person.
"That's why I would urge everyone to think about signing up to be an organ donor. Of course, it is a very personal decision to make, but it is definitely worth a few minutes of thought."
The increase in the number of organ donors and donations at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals reflects a trend seen across the country, as figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (the NHS organisation that heads up the National Blood Service and organ donation and transplantation) show that hospitals across the country carried out a total of 3,706 transplants of organs including livers, kidneys, hearts and lungs in 2009-10, up 5% on the year before.
You can read more about organ donation by visiting www.organdonation.nhs.uk, where you can also sign the organ donor register, if you wish to.
You can also join by calling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 or by texting SAVE to 84118.
