Organ donation is the gift of an organ,
to help 
someone who needs a transplant.
As you read this more than 10,000 people
are desperately waiting for a life saving organ transplant.
Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern
medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and
their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to
others.
Every day three people die while waiting for an organ
transplant and many others lose their lives even before they are
registered on the transplant waiting list.
Ninety six per cent per cent of us would accept an
organ transplant if we needed one. Yet only 27 per cent of us
have pladged to help by joining the organ donor register.
If you believe in organ donation, prove it – register now.
Adding your details to the register is easy! All you need to do
is
follow this link. Here you can find an online registration
form and the answers to any questions you might have,
Alternatively you can register by calling the donation line on
0300 123 123 or text SAVE to 84118.
You may already have an organ donor card, but it is still
important to join the register, because you may not always be
carrying the card.
Remember it is important to discuss your wishes to be donor with
your family and friends as organ and tissue donation will be
discussed with them in the event of your death
What organs can be donated? Kidneys, liver,
lungs, heart, pancreas and the small bowel can be donated.
Tissue donation – a life changer and saver
Every year hundreds of lives are saved with the help of donated
organs such as kidneys. However you may not realise that donated
tissue such as skin, bone, tendon, eyes and heart valves can all
dramatically improve the quality of life for others and even save
lives.
As many as 50 other people can be helped from the donation from
one person. Tissues are donated after death by people who have
expressed a wish to help others in this way.
What tissues can be donated?
Heart valves are used to help
children born with heart defects or adults with diseased or damaged
heart valves.
Eyes can help restore sight
to people with cornea problems (the clear part of the eye).
This may be a result of damage caused by disease, injury or defects
from birth. The white part of the eye (the sclera) can be used in
operations to rebuild the eye.
Bone is important for people
recieving reconstruction after an injury or during joint
replacement surgery. A bone transplant can prevent limb
amputation in people suffering from bone cancer.
Skin can be used as a natural
dressing, helping treat people with serious burns. This can
save lives by stopping infections, can help reduce scarring and
reduces pain.
Tendons the elastic-like
cords that attach bones and musclesto each other help by rebuilding
dammaged joints often in younger people with sports injuries.
Organ and tissue donation at the Royal Berkshire Hospital
Organ and tissue donation is an end of life care choice and
therefore options should be explored and patient wishes respected.
Patients and relatives should expect to be asked about donation as
part of routine care here at the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust.
Clinical Lead - Organ Donation: Chris Danbury –
Consultant ICU
Organ Donation Nurse: Claire Nelson
Claire is based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital to offer
information and support for staff and service users, she also works
as part of the South Central Organ Donation Services Team.
To support the
Department of Health Organ Donation Task Force Report the Royal
Berkshire NHS Trust has established an Organ and Tissue
Donation Committee which aims to assess, optimise and
streamline organ donation within the Trust. The aim is to make
organ and or tissue donation a part of end of life care The
membership of the committee is made up of representatives of staff
from within the Trust and members of the public.