As the health care profession prepares to mark National Transplant Awareness Week (6th – 13th July) the North West community is being asked to ensure they register on the organ transplant list.
With no fewer than 140 people reporting weekly to Altnagelvin or Tyrone County Hospital Renal Unit, Omagh for dialysis, the need has never been greater. Some patients travel from as far as 50 miles for their dialysis. This in addition to the 3.5 – 5h
r dialysis treatment required can impact quite significantly on their lifestyle.
Transplantation is seen as the best option for anyone who is otherwise healthy enough to undergo surgery. The increasing effectiveness of transplantation means that many more patients can be considered for treatment in this way. However, one person dies every day because of a lack of organs so the waiting list will continue to rise. One way to combat this is a switch to an 'opt out system' meaning unless you register your objections, your organs will be used to save a life after your own death.
Billy Ramsey, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2005, aged 69 sees the merits of the system.
Appeal
"I would appeal to people to at least consider signing a donor card and bring luck to someone else out there. I would love to meet my own donor family some day, here's hoping."
Asked about the opt out scheme Billy commented: "It is a personal decision. Who can tell a person what to do with their own organs?"
Those wishing to register on the Organ transplant list can do so by telephoning the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400; when completing a driving licence application form; when registering with a new doctor or GP's surgery; when applying for a Boots Advantage Card or when applying for a new passport.
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