PEOPLE across Dorset are being urged to 'save lives' and become organ donors as 35 patients across the county remain on the waiting list for a transplant.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Dorset to talk to their families about organ donation after 22 people in the county had their lives saved by a transplant after someone died and donated their organs - while a further 35 people across the county remain on the transplant waiting list.

The rally call comes as part of Organ Donation Week (September 20 to 26), which highlights the hidden impact for patients on the waiting list along with the release of new song Invisible from children's choir Harmonies of Hope.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Every day across the UK there are thousands of patients and their families waiting for that important life-saving call, including 35 people in Dorset.

"Yet, this is often only possible as a result of another family receiving some of the hardest news they might ever have to hear.

"Even though the law around organ donation has changed to an opt out system for adults in England, Scotland and Wales, it's important people are aware that families will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.

“It's important to make organ donation decision known to your family and friends, and leave them certain of what you what to happen in the event of your death.

"We urge all family members of all ages in Dorset to take a moment this Organ Donation Week to talk and share your decision."

After a most challenging year for the NHS and people across the world, waiting lists for organs including kidney, heart, liver, lungs, are expected to rise and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for more families in Dorset to talk and share their organ donation decision to increase the chances of the many children, young people and adults in need of their own life-saving call.

Health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid said: "Waiting for an organ match can be a challenging and isolating experience, and I want to applaud Harmonies of Hope for their bravery in sharing such powerful accounts of lifesaving transplants.

"It’s vital we do all we can to ensure no child feels invisible as they wait for a match, particularly those families in underrepresented, ethnic minority communities where donation rates are not high.

"This can change and I'm urging families up and down the country to have honest and frank conversations this week about organ donations. It’s a decision that could save someone’s life."

NHS Blood and Transplant predict more than 7,000 people, including 200 children are predicted to be in need of an organ transplant.

It is hoped the choir’s song will inspire people in Dorset to talk about organ donation and for all members of the family, whatever their age, to help make sure more lives are saved.

For more information, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

NHS app users can also use the service to record, check or update their organ donation decision.

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