Improved education and training for our clinicians around organ donation over the past 18 months has seen the number of potential donors being referred by CHFT to the NHS Blood and Transplant's Organ Donation Service over the past year reach 97% - way above the national average of 94%.
Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation (SNOD), Jayne Greenhalgh pictured left, said: “This has been a phenomenal year with CHFT referring 29 potential organ or tissue donors in 2023/2024.
“Of those, 17 were a match and 25 people have benefited through donation, whether through lifesaving surgery, or having their quality of life enhanced.
“And for the first time in three years, a SNOD was present during every organ donation discussion with families. It’s really been an amazing year.
"The numbers may seem small on the face of it. Sadly only a very small number of people are actually eligible to become organ donors, and the referral criteria is complex. So every one of the patients who fulfils the criteria should have their organ donation wishes explored by the right people at the right time. This is why having a SNOD present to discuss donation with the families is so important."
Our Transplant Lead and Anaesthetics Consultant, Paul Knight, added: “Seeing the efforts of the education programme come together in such a successful way has been a real achievement, and I’d like to thank everyone who has embraced it. We plan to restart our education programme soon.”
Organ Donation Week is almost here - you can get involved and help spread awareness
More than 6,600 people are currently waiting for a transplant, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Organ Donation Register (ODR)
There are events happening across the UK to raise awareness during Organ Donation Week, which this year takes place between Monday 23 September and Sunday 29 September.
NHS Blood and Transplant are organising their third Race for Recipients. Thousands of people across the UK will be helping raise awareness to encourage ODR registrations and donation conversations with friends and loved ones through a fun challenge.
This event is for everyone. Friends, family, schools, groups, anyone and everyone! Race for Recipients provides a platform for ALL to support the lifesaving gift of organ donation and transplantation.
You can get involved by following the link or checking out the poster below.