Forth Valley residents urged to make organ donation decision

A campaign is urging people in the Forth Valley to make a decision on organ donation.

People aged 16 or over have the choice to become a donor, or opt out.

NHS Forth Valley are encouraging people to make a decision, to avoid loved ones being left in doubt.

More than half of Scots have now confirmed their choice.

Allan Rennie, Chair of NHS Forth Valley’s Organ Donation Committee, said: “If a loved one dies in circumstances where organ and tissue donation is a possibility, the role of the Specialist Nurse is to support families through the process.

“A sensitive discussion always takes place between the specialist nurse and the potential donor family. If a person has registered their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, we share this information with the family to check it was their loved one’s latest view. If no decision has been recorded, families are asked if they have any information on their loved one’s views to ensure donation doesn’t proceed if the individual didn’t want it to.

“Organ and tissue donation is an important consideration for anyone but making that decision and sharing it can make it so much easier for your loved ones to ensure it is honoured.”

Minister for Public Health, Women's Health & Sport Maree Todd said: “Organ and tissue donation is a personal decision and everyone has a choice, either to register to be a donor or to opt out. Whatever the decision, the Scottish Government is urging everyone to record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and share that decision with their family and friends.

“I welcome this important campaign highlighting the choices people have under the opt out system of organ and tissue donation, and why sharing that decision with loved ones is so vital.

“Only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible, which is usually in a hospital intensive care unit, meaning every opportunity for donation is precious.”