The UK doesn't have one of the best transplant systems, the system is primarily and opt in system. This basically means that you have to have your I would sign up to be added to the list, incidentally, you can do that
here and if your based in the UK, I urge you to do so. There was one main problem with the system, ok there are many, but you work with what you have. The main problem was that if you, had joined up, but your next of kin or relatives said no, then that was it, you would not donate anything. This happened in 1 in 10 cases.
Chris Rudge, managing director of UK Transplant, said the wishes of approximately one in 10 possible donors were overturned by their families under the current system.
From next week, the system will be changing, if you signed up, yes sign up
here, your wishes will be respected.
Ok, I am totally aware that this is an emotive subject, but there are people here in the UK who are waiting for a life changing transplant, and believe me, I know it's life changing, I've had 3 kidney transplants, and believe me, I do think of the donor families and the loss that they have had for me to live on.
All I can say is this, if you do sign up, don't keep it to yourself, tell your family, tell your friends, and most of all tell your loved ones. It makes it so much easier for them, if they know that you wanted to donate.
Oh did I tell you? You can register to the UK transplant list
here. They also allow your to amend you details.
As some slogan went, You don't need to go to heaven with all your organs, as they are sure to hell needed down here.
Ok that's it, that's my public announcement over. I don't need to advise you...
Transplants save lives
In the UK between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006:
Organs from 765 people who died were used to save or dramatically improve many people's lives through 2,196 transplants. The total includes 126 non-heartbeating donors, 43% more than the previous year.
A total of 1,799 patients received a kidney transplant of which 594 (33%) were given their kidney by a friend or relative - this increase of 25% sets another record for the number of living kidney transplants in the UK.
126 people received a pancreas or combined kidney/pancreas transplant - the highest number on record and an increase of 47% over the previous year.
586 patients received a liver transplant, 8% fewer than in the previous year.
262 cardiothoracic transplants were carried out, a decrease of 9% compared to the previous year, the decrease in heart and heart/lung transplants being marked.
At the end of March 2006, 6,700 patients were listed as actively waiting for a transplant, a 9% increase compared to the previous year.
A further 2,503 people had their sight restored through a cornea transplant - the highest number for 9 years.
Almost a million more people pledged to help others after their death by registering their wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register, bringing the total at 31 March 2006 to 13,122,056.
There, need I say more. Oh and yes, your donations (you can give away a lot) will always be greatly received.
