Organ donation giving people a second chance
The winner of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust ‘Second Chance’ organ donation campaign poster competition has been announced ahead of National Organ Donation week (4 – 10 September).
John Smith, a Porter from Sherwood Forest Hospitals, designed a poster to help promote the campaign and encourage people to think about donating, he said: “I really enjoy painting landscapes using water colours and I have painted quite a few in the past.
“When I saw the competition I was inspired by the cause and my interest in art. I knew instantly that I wanted to draw a butterfly being born from a chrysalis, as to me, that means a second life. Without organ donation, people wouldn’t have a second chance at life and I think that opportunity is important.”
The Trust will be launching its organ donation campaign for 2017 during organ donation week, with the theme ‘Give and let live’.
During the week the Trust is also holding a three day information stand at King’s Mill Hospital. The stand will be set up in the King’s Mill Treatment Centre from Wednesday 6 September – Friday 8 September and will have information about organ donation, with a number of specialists and organ donation recipients on hand to speak to people about what a difference donating can make. The poster competition for 2017 will also be launched on Friday 8 September.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, Dr Sandeep Dhir, said: “Thanks to the campaign and the ongoing commitment and support of the Organ Donation Committee and the Trust, we saw a record number of new registrants on the Organ Donation Register last year. Over the last year we have also had 13 patients receiving life-saving transplants. We hope to continue the success of the campaign this year.”
Organ donation committee member, Debra Barlow, who has also had a double lung transplant said: “I would encourage people to come along to the stand to find out more about organ donation. Without it I wouldn’t be here today, it really can make such a huge difference to peoples’ lives. I understand that it’s not something people often think about, but by being a donor, you could save so many people.”
Fellow organ donation committee member Bronwyn Jones, who has had a heart transplant, added: “The campaign is all about raising awareness and making people realise what an impact organ donation can have on another person’s life. It’s a very personal decision, but if you are thinking about it please do come and talk to us to find out more and hear from people who donors have made such a difference to.”
Joining the NHS Blood and Transplant Service’s Organ Donation Register is simple. Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk and fill out your details. You can also register at the same time as you apply to the DVLA for a driving licence.
The website has frequently asked questions and a myth-busting section to help explain exactly what joining the register means.
It also encourages people to talk to their relatives about their decision and how they can support your decision in the event of your death.
L-R: Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, Dr Sandeep Dhir, Senior Voluntary Services and Engagement Officer, Joy Wilson, competition winner, John Smith with his poster, Chair of the SFH Organ Donation Committee, Ruby Beech, SFH Organ Donation committee member and donor recipient, Bronwyn Jones, Chaplain, Reverend Edith Dawson and Organ Donation Specialist Nurse, Lorraine Hogg.
L-R: Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, Ruby Beech with competition winner John Smith and SFH Organ Donation committee member and donor recipient, Bronwyn Jones.