To Those Of You Not On The Organ Donor Register

[mrs_overall]

In one of the news threads a couple of you have said you want to go on the organ donor register but have not yet done so.
It takes two minutes to register on line. Do something amazing and sign up now.

https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/consent.asp?campaign=1034

[LazyGun]

IF they will not accept a blood transfusion, they will not accept an organ :)

[albaqwerty]

All 4 of us are on it, Mr Alba and I for some time, the younger alba's as soon as they turned 18, and no, no pressure from parents, it's their choice.

[LazyGun]

Actually, i have just read this
"Jehovah's Witnesses
According to the Watch Tower Society, Jehovah's Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah's Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion. However, this merely means that all blood must be removed from the organs and tissues before being transplanted"

So I might be doing them a disservice.

[ummmm]

With an opt out system people will forget to do it, just like they forget to opt in.

[mrs_overall]

Lazygun, you are not doing the Jehovah's a disservice.
It would be impossible to remove all traces of blood from an organ, ergo they cannot receive one

[WELSHYORKIE]

I am registered as are both my sons and my DIL - unfortunately we lost our loved one due to liver failure (through seronegative hepatitis infection not booze) and we were unlucky that there was no livers available for transplantation. We were politely refused when we offered for her to be a donor, due to the infection. If you are not registered, put yourself in the position I was in exactly 2 years ago this week. Go on - give someone else the chance of life.

[mrs_overall]

Well said welshyorkie

[Brancaster]

There should IMHO be an opt-out system. I shudder to think of the needless deaths because of lack of organs available. Please, NHS, make this a more high profile problem. I am sure that if it was brought home to the public the needless deaths and suffering because of this problem more people would register.

[mccfluff]

when my sister died her organs were donated and it feels better knowing that out of tragedy some families had hope given to them

[mrs_overall]

I totally agree with the idea of an opt out system.

The idea was mooted but has been dropped. IMO is is because of objections from leaders of certain religions

[jake-the-peg]

Also worth making sure your nearest and dearest know that you'd want to be a donor if anything were to happen

[rockyracoon]

I signed up this year when I taxed the car, I really didn't want to and it makes me feel very uncomfortable, but how can I say I'd gladly accept an organ if I needed it and not hand over one myself when I won't need it anymore.

I might be many things, but being a hypocrite is not one of them.

[mrs_overall]

mcfluff, it amazes me that grieving relatives can still think of others at such a difficult time.xx

I wish I had a pound for every time I have heard of people who have refused to let their loved ones organs be used and then regretted it later

[mrs_overall]

Jake - good point.

Please take note you good people

[LazyGun]

This is a summary of the results of a strategic review that NHSBT carried out at the end of 2012.

They will be introducing some changes to the current system from April 2013, but I doubt that will mean the introduction of an opt-out scheme just yet...

http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/newsroom/statements_and_stances/odt_engagement_exercise.pdf

[mrs_overall]

Thanks for the link lazygun (I had already read that but others may find it interesting)

[youngmafbog]

I have always carried cards and continue to do so in addition to registration - just to make sure. They can have anything as nothing is of any use to me once I've gone. If they are unable to make full use or enough left over then it is donated to any medical school that would be happy to have it. (I actually smile to think some day maybe my skeleton could be dragged round the pubs during 'rag' week)

I've always been of the opinion that when organs are handed out they should be to those on the register. If no one on the register needs or is appropriate for the organ then fine on to whoever. I think that might wake up those who are quite happy to take but not to give.

[LazyGun]

^^ An admirable stance to take, ymb

[mccfluff]

i admire my dad for that day, it must of been the worst thing ever to be told your daughter was brain dead and to have to make the decision to turn the life support off. utterly heartbreaking, he is a brave man

[rockyracoon]

Fluffy xx :(