| Scotland is suffering from a lack of organ donors and the Government will be trying to redress the balance with a series of targeted events during National Transplant Week.
The initiative will see a team of specialists visit Dundee’s Wellgate shopping centre and two city supermarkets on Wednesday, July 30, in a bid to recruit new donors to the national organ register.
Research has shown that over 90% of Scots adults support organ donation but just over a quarter have actually signed up to allow their organs to be used in the treatment of others following their deaths.
Since April, 177 people have donated organs in the UK and a total of 535 people have had their chance of living a normal life increased by receiving a transplant.
However, a total of 7674 people are still waiting for organs that could transform their health…
Over 700 people in Scotland are waiting for transplants and around 50 people a year will die without receiving the treatment they crave.
Health and Wellbeing Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today urged Dundonians to consider joining the Organ Donor Register and helping save a person’s life.
She said, “We need to tackle the growing shortage of organs for transplantation. While we know there is great support for organ donation in Scotland, we also know the majority of people haven’t yet signed up to the register.
“We’re hoping that as many Dundee people as possible will take the time to come along to the roadshows so they can join the Organ Donor Register, and make their wishes count.
“It is also very important that people who do sign up let their family and friends know what their wishes are.”
Anyone unable to attend the sessions in Dundee next week can join the Organ Donor Register by calling 0845 60 60400 or logging on to www.infoscotland.com/organdonor. |
