Stevenson Backs National Transplant Week

5 July 2006

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Use

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has lent his backing to National Transplant Week, taking place from 9th – 15th July.

Commenting on the awareness week, Mr Stevenson said:

“I applaud this awareness week which will see campaigning to educate and inform front line medical staff and increase public awareness of the positive benefits of Organ and Tissue Donation for transplantation. Now in its 16th year, the campaign is highlighting that today more than 5,500 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant that could save or dramatically improve their life.

”Most are waiting for a kidney, others for a heart, lung or liver transplant. But less than 3,000 transplants are carried out each year. There is a desperate need for more donors. Last year nearly 400 people died while waiting for a transplant. One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many others will lose their lives before they even get on to the waiting list.

”Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others. The more people who pledge to donate their organs after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help make sure life goes on.

“For those wishing to apply to the NHS Donor Register they should ring the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. Calls are charged at the local rate.”

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