Six out of 10 never speak of donating their organs

Published on Sunday 4 July 2010 15:22

SOME 60 per cent of people have never spoken to friends and family about organ donation, according to a survey.

Almost a third of people do not discuss the issue because they do not consider it a priority, and 25 per cent just do not want to think about it, the study found.

The organ-donation organisation for the UK, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), called on people to discuss the subject with friends and family, particularly as three people die every day before a suitable organ is found and almost 8,000 people are on the waiting list for a transplant.

Only 28 per cent of the UK population is on the NHS Organ Donor Register..

Professor Geoff Beattie, head of school and dean of psychological sciences at the University of Manchester, said: "The figures released by NHSBT show again that the UK public is reserved when it comes to opening up about their feelings.

"Organ donation is a tricky subject to talk about, so many people choose to ignore it rather than face the reality.

"But talking about subjects like organ donation with your friends and family is hugely important, especially as any of us could be forced to make that difficult decision for our loved ones - you'll want to know their wishes," he said.

Carol Donaldson, from Nottingham, whose 24-year-old son James donated his organs following a motorbike accident five years ago, said: "I can understand why some people feel that they can't bring up organ donation in conversation - it is a very sensitive subject.

"We talked about it at home as a family and it meant that when my son died five years ago, I knew he'd want us to donate his organs. I find it very comforting that James was able to save three lives through his gift."

People are urged to register at organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23, as National Transplant Week starts today.