Western Trust encouraging more people to help save lives through organ donation

This Organ Donation Week (September 22-28 2025), the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is asking those who haven’t yet done so, to help save lives by confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

More people than ever are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant in the UK, as demand continues to exceed the number of donated organs available. Sadly, in the UK someone will die today because they didn’t get the transplant they so badly needed.

Thanks to 44 amazing people who donated last year in Northern Ireland, 123 people had their lives transformed through organ donation, but sadly more than 400 people across the UK died waiting for their transplant.

During Organ Donation Week, the Western Trust is encouraging more people to sign up to become an organ donor and importantly to have a conversation with those closest to them. Registering to become an organ donor matters because to donate organs after death, a person needs to die in hospital in specific circumstances. This applies to only 1 in every 100 people, making every registration and family conversation vital.

Dr Michelle Fallon, Clinician Lead for Organ Donation at the Western Trust said: “Most of us would accept an organ if we needed one, and you are more likely to need a transplant than you are to be a donor. 

"It is just as important as ever to add your name and decision to the Organ Donor Register, because families are more likely to support the decision of someone who has done so. It only takes few minutes, and you could help to save up to nine lives and event more if they also donate tissue.

“Becoming an organ donor is your decision. Many people do not realise, even with the ‘opt out’ legislation in place, their family’s support is still very important for organ donation to proceed. After your death your family will be consulted and any decision they make on your behalf will be respected.

"When families know your wishes it makes the situation less stressful for them, the decision to donate less difficult and gives them the comfort to fulfil your wish to be an organ donor.

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“Talking about organ donation with your family should be done with open and positive discussion. Explain that you arrived to the decision to sign organ donor register with understanding that your decision can potentially transform up to nine lives and you are keen to do so. This conversation may in turn encourage others in your family to sign the register as well.”

Dr Fallon continues: “We need people in Western Trust area to add their name and decision to the NHS Organ Donor Register. This could be the difference between life and death for someone else.”  

It is the best thing you will do today!

SIGN UP TODAY - We can save many lives and together we shall do so.

There are many ways to register as a potential donor:

• Register online at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or www.organdonationni.info
• Register when applying for or renewing a driving licence.
• Register when registering with a G.P Practice.
• Telephone the N.H.S. Donor Line 0300 123 23 23. Telephone lines are open 24 hours a day all year round.
• Download a form from www.organdonation.nhs.uk, print it and return it by Freepost
• Register when applying for a Boot’s Advantage Card.