Father's call for more to sign up as organ donors
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By Hayley Robinson
A father whose daughter’s life was tragically cut short
following a brain haemorrhage is urging more people to join the
Organ Transplant Register.
Richard Spooner, of Church Road, Murston, launched the appeal
after research carried out by the NHS Blood and Transplant Service
revealed that almost everyone would accept a donated organ if they
needed one, but only 27 per cent have joined the register.
As a charge nurse in intensive care at Medway Maritime Hospital,
Mr Spooner has been involved with families on both sides of organ
donations.
He said: “As part of my job I have been involved with
approaching the families of those who may be eligible to donate
their organs, and I have also been the relative that has been
approached.
“My daughter Rachael sadly passed away in 2004 at the age
of 24. For my wife and myself, it was a very simple decision to
make as Rachael felt strongly about organ donation and she’d
carried a donor card from the age of six.
“Knowing that we carried out Rachael’s wish gives us great
comfort; as does knowing that her loss has given life to
others.
“Almost all of us would accept a donated organ if we needed one,
but less than a third carry a donor card. If you’re prepared to
take, you should be prepared to give.
“People should talk about organ donation openly – if only they
talked about it more they wouldn’t be afraid of it and a lot of
good could come from a very sad situation. People need to make
their wishes known by discussing them with their family, and they
need to sign the Organ Transplant Register – it takes just two
minutes. Two minutes to save a whole lifetime.”
Medway NHS Foundation Trust has set up an organ donation
committee to encourage staff, patients and visitors to talk about
organ donation and to make their wishes known by joining the Organ
Transplant Register.
Dr David Simpson, consultant anaesthetist and clinical lead for
organ donation at Medway Maritime Hospital, said: “Three people die
needlessly each day in the UK because not enough of us are prepared
to put ourselves forward as a potential organ donor.
“Our committee is working hard to encourage all of us to
consider organ donation. We want the local community to think and
talk about it so it isn’t considered 'unusual’ any more.”
If you would like to become an organ donor or would like more
information, visit http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
Tuesday, March 09 2010
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