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12/02/2014
Fifteen NI People Die Annually Waiting For A Transplant
Around 200 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list and unfortunately around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ.
Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, just 31% of the population here are on the organ donor register.
To tackle this issue, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched its 'Speak up and save a life' organ donation campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness of the issue of organ donation in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "Last year I asked the Public Health Agency to take forward work to establish public attitudes towards organ donation, including whether to introduce a statutory opt-out amongst other options. I have given careful consideration to the findings in the Public Health Agency's report and consider increased public awareness, education on the key issues and the further development of transplantation services through UK-wide action appropriate at this time. I would like to thank the PHA for taking forward the public information campaign to raise awareness."
Mr Poots went on to say that he would re-test public opinion again following the campaign: "I appeal to all those of varying opinion on this very emotive issue to support the Public Health Agency in taking this information campaign forward; this is a vitally important issue which will affect many people’s lives and it is imperative that we get it right.
"In the meantime may I once again urge everyone to consider signing the organ donation register and having made such a decision, to discuss their wishes with their families and loved ones."
Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: "Organ donation really is the gift of life. The generosity of donors and their families enhances or saves the lives of recipients across Northern Ireland.
"We want to encourage people to talk about organ donation with family and close friends so they are aware of their wishes, to increase awareness of the organ donor register and how to sign up, and to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland on the organ donor register.
"Despite many advances and awareness-raising activities by various organisations in recent years on the issue of organ donation, not enough people are aware of the organ donor register, and as a result the number of people who have signed it is quite low. There is also too high a level of misunderstanding about organ donation itself. Most importantly, only 38 percent have discussed their wishes with their loved ones."
(CVS/CD)
Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, just 31% of the population here are on the organ donor register.
To tackle this issue, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched its 'Speak up and save a life' organ donation campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness of the issue of organ donation in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "Last year I asked the Public Health Agency to take forward work to establish public attitudes towards organ donation, including whether to introduce a statutory opt-out amongst other options. I have given careful consideration to the findings in the Public Health Agency's report and consider increased public awareness, education on the key issues and the further development of transplantation services through UK-wide action appropriate at this time. I would like to thank the PHA for taking forward the public information campaign to raise awareness."
Mr Poots went on to say that he would re-test public opinion again following the campaign: "I appeal to all those of varying opinion on this very emotive issue to support the Public Health Agency in taking this information campaign forward; this is a vitally important issue which will affect many people’s lives and it is imperative that we get it right.
"In the meantime may I once again urge everyone to consider signing the organ donation register and having made such a decision, to discuss their wishes with their families and loved ones."
Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: "Organ donation really is the gift of life. The generosity of donors and their families enhances or saves the lives of recipients across Northern Ireland.
"We want to encourage people to talk about organ donation with family and close friends so they are aware of their wishes, to increase awareness of the organ donor register and how to sign up, and to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland on the organ donor register.
"Despite many advances and awareness-raising activities by various organisations in recent years on the issue of organ donation, not enough people are aware of the organ donor register, and as a result the number of people who have signed it is quite low. There is also too high a level of misunderstanding about organ donation itself. Most importantly, only 38 percent have discussed their wishes with their loved ones."
(CVS/CD)
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Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
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Campaign Launches For More Organ Donors
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Members of the public in Northern Ireland are being urged to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about organ donation this Organ Donation Week. Running from Monday 02 September, this year's theme is 'Words Save Lives', with the Department of Health and Public Health Agency appealing to everyone to have the conversation.
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80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
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80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
