Each month the Public Affairs committee publishes a piece in our newsletter on a topic relating to a WI campaign or resolution. The June 2022 article is about clean drainage: click here to read.
Time To Talk: a 2022 update on Organ Donation
At the annual meeting in June 2014, 98% of us voted to ‘spread the word’ about organ donation amongst ourselves and if possible with institutions such as the NHS and government.
I remember being told that a single donor could transform the lives of nine different people, and that there were several thousands of people on waiting lists for organs.
We were urged to talk to our families to share feelings on the subject and consequently make our views, and actions known to them. This launch of the campaign resulted in a thousand members registering with the Organ Donation Register. Many more have done so since then.
However, talking with our families is of the utmost importance. They need to be comfortable with our wishes. Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce a ‘soft op-out system’, which meant that adults would automatically be considered eligible for organ donation.
England’s Organ Donation Act came into being in May 2020, stating the same: adults will automatically be considered potential donors unless they choose to opt out or are excluded. However, in both countries, the families will be consulted prior to our deaths. Even if we are on the donation register, without their consent, our organs will not be removed.
Some people are reluctant to register. It’s understandable, as there are many myths circulating. But I think it is worth spending some time reading more about the subject so the myths can be discarded. There is plenty of material on the My WI website, and Google will have information too.
I discovered that it’s not just heart, lungs and kidneys that are useful, but also bones and bone marrow, corneas and skin.
So, my name is on the register a
nd I’ve discussed it with my family. If after my death, my body could help someone else to live, then that would be marvellous. My body could still be used for research— I really won’t mind!
More information:
https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
All images courtesy of above website.
– Alison Fremantle
Campaigns
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To view the latest issues of the NFWI Public Affairs, click on the following links:
Public Affairs Digest – Issue 53 August 2020
Public Affairs Digest – Issue 54 August 2020
Public Affairs Digest – Issue 55 October 2020
Public Affairs Digest – Issue 56 November 2020