National Transplant Week 2012 launches this week - The annual, UK-wide, awareness week runs from 9th to 15th July to increase understanding of organ donation and encourage more people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Three people die every day whilst they wait for organs in the UK and just 30% of the UK population is currently signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Despite the thousands of life-saving transplant operations which take place every year, some 7,500 people are on the waiting list for a transplant in the UK. 

Sally Johnson, NHSBT’s Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, added: “We hope that this year’s National Transplant Week will encourage sign up to the ODR, and encourage donors to talk to their family and friends about their donation wishes.” 

Jeremy Lefroy commented: ‘I will be supporting National Transplant Week 2012, and I hope the week encourages more of my constituents to become donors and ‘pass it on’ to loved ones.’ 

“If you join the Donor Register It is really important that you also tell the people closest to you. Otherwise, your wishes may come as a surprise at a time when they are trying to deal with their loss. This could affect their decision to proceed with a life-saving donation. To add your name to the ODR please call 0300 123 2323, text JOIN 84880 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.”

For further information about National Transplant Week, go to http://www.transplantweek.co.uk/.