Public Health Agency encourages people to confirm their decision to save lives

The Organ Donor Register was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate. Since its creation in 1994, thousands of lives have been saved thanks to people agreeing to donate their organs after death by confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

However, more people than ever before are in need for a life-saving transplant across the UK, with more than 7,600 people on the active waiting list, including 155 in Northern Ireland – so it’s vital that people confirm their organ donation decision to save lives.

55% (1,082,893) of people in Northern Ireland have already declared their decision to donate through the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is the best way for their family to know what they want. 9 out of 10 families will support organ donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. However, to donate organs after death, a person needs to die in hospital in specific circumstances. This applies to only 1 in every 100 people, highlighting how important every registration and family conversation is.

With the recent law change around organ donation, it is important to remember that it is assumed that when someone dies in the circumstances where they could be a donor, that they agree to donate if they haven’t officially opted out. However, no-one is automatically added to the Organ Donor Register. That’s why everyone is encouraged to continue to confirm their decision, whatever it is, as their family will be consulted before donation goes ahead.

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency explained:

“Confirming your decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register makes it clear to your family that you want to be an organ donor, leaving them certain of your decision at what is a difficult and emotional time. We encourage people to confirm their decision on the register today in order to save more lives now and in the future.”

Paddy McNamara from Bangor received a lifesaving double-lung transplant in March 2023.  Reiterating the importance of organ donation he said:

“When diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2018, even taking a breath, something we take for granted, was difficult. Now I am able to enjoy life again. I can say that without my donor and their family, I wouldn’t be here today, I am very grateful.”

Sue Duncalf, Regional Manager of the Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, NHS Blood and Transplant commented:

“Every day in the UK, thousands of patients and their families await a life-saving organ donation. This hope often arises from another family making the decision to donate. The Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team supports families through that difficult time and we know that when a loved ones’ decision is known, it gives them the confidence to support that decision. And knowing that a loved one has helped to save lives can bring great comfort.

With growing numbers of people in need of transplants, it’s crucial to confirm your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This Organ Donation Week, please take a moment to register and confirm your choice.”

The Public Health Agency is co-ordinating a range of initiatives across Organ Donation Week, as well as supporting a national mountain climb challenge which will see Slieve Donard and 5 other peaks across the UK being turned pink simultaneously at 14.00 on Friday 27 September.