THE NHS is urging families in Cheshire to talk about organ donation in the hope that it will increase the number of lives that could be saved or transformed.

The plea comes as this week is Organ Donation Week, which shines a light on the generosity of donors and hopes to educate and inspire people to sign up and help those in need.

Last year, 67 people in Cheshire had their lives saved by a transplant, however 82 people in the county are currently waiting for that life-saving call.

From spring 2020, all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their organs when they die unless they opt out or are in one of the excluded groups.

And in the lead up to this change in law, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families in Cheshire to talk about their organ donation decision, with the campaign message ‘Pass it on’.

A recent survey of adults in England found that while 84 percent agreed it was important to let those closest to you know your views on organ donation, only 40% had shared their organ donation decision with their family or partner.

More and more families in Cheshire are saying yes to organ donation, but there is still an urgent shortage of donors.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need more people in Cheshire to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.

“Even after the law changes next year, families will still be approached before organ donation goes ahead, so it remains so important to talk to your families about your views.

“Register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family the choice you have made.

“If the time comes, we know families find the organ donation conversation with nurses or medical teams much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.”

Find out more and register your decision by visiting NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.