REGISTRATION
+ CONVERSATION
= More Donations
CREATING HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS about consent BETWEEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS KEY TO INCREASING ORGAN DONATIONS.
Registration
Self registering as an organ donor is the best way to make it clear to everyone involved, that when the time comes, you'd like to go on to become an organ donor.
+ Conversation
Once you've registered, have a simple I 'JUST DID IT' conversation, with your family and the people closest to you. Let them know it's what you want, making things easy for them, if and when they are asked to confirm your decision.
= More Donations
Self registration, followed by a family conversation, is by far the best way to ensure, that when the Conversation of Consent takes place, your family already know your wishes. Making things easier for everyone involved.
CURRENTLY IN THE UK...
WHEN A PERSON HAS DEEMED CONSENT THROUGH THE OPT OUT SYSTEM
(EVERY ADULT IN THE UK BY THE END OF 2020)
The persons family or next of kin will be given the responsibility to confirm final consent on that persons behalf.
WHEN A PERSON HAS ACTIVELY REGISTERED AS AN ORGAN DONOR
If the persons family is unaware that their loved one has actively registered as a donor, they will be made aware of the fact. They will then be expected to support their loved one and confirm the donation. A simple 'I JUST DID IT' conversation with your family, can lift what can be an emotional burden at difficult time.
WHEN A PERSON REMOVES THEM SELF FROM THE REGISTER LIST
Only when a person has actively taken their name off the register, will there be no conversation of consent - they will not donate.
We need to talk...
In a perfect world, a transplant specialist nurse wouldn't have to ask any questions. They'd be met by families, already fully aware of their loved ones wishes and ready to give the consent needed, for transplant to go ahead.
It's simple really. If you want to be an organ donor, the best way to donate is to 'actively' self-register and then tell your family and friends what you just did. That way there's no confusion should they ever be asked to approve your decision. And remember, it's a two way conversation. Find out what your family and friends think about organ donation too, help create a positive image and healthy conversation around conversation.
SELF REGISTERING is the best way to let the NHS know, that one day you'd like to become an organ donor.
It's also VERY IMPORTANT that as part of registering, that you also take the time to have a conversation with the people closest to you, about your decision to become an organ donor. It's more than likely that these will be the people that will be asked to agree your decision should they ever be asked.
WORDS NOW SPEAK LOUDER THAN ACTIONS
HERE'S WHY...
Whether you've actively self-registered or you've become registered as part of a national OPT OUT system, your family will ALWAYS be asked if they agree and approve of your decision. This confirmation of consent can often come at the most upsetting of times. You can lift the responsibility that's placed on your family by letting them know, that you want be an organ donor long before the time comes.
A 'CONVERSATION OF CONSENT', will take place between a transplant specialist and a persons next of kin. Consent will be requested whether the person has self-registered as an organ donor, or not.
