Families in Herefordshire and Shropshire urged to talk about organ donation

The NHS is calling on people across Shropshire and Herefordshire to talk to their families about organ donation during Organ Donation Week.

It comes as more than 7,000 people, including 200 children, are predicted to be in need of an organ transplant.

Currently - 43 people are on the waiting list for a transplant in Shropshire and 10 in Herefordshire.

Last year, 18 people in Shropshire had their lives saved by a transplant after someone died and donated their organs.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for more families in the county to talk and share their organ donation decision.

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 am 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.”