Becoming an organ donor is one of the most selfless things we can do during our time on earth.
By simply carrying an organ donor card you have the power to save so many lives.
There has been a spike in the number of adult donors in the United Kingdom since the early naughties, however, there are concerns about the poor numbers of children who are organ donors.
A new strategy around organ donation and children launches today, aiming to make more lifesaving transplants possible. It’s especially important for young patients who often need organs matched to their size. https://t.co/9LdFINOFc4
— NHS Organ Donation (@NHSOrganDonor) March 4, 2019
Parents are now being urged to consider donating their child’s organs if they pass away in a bid to help poorly children on the transplant list. The NHS stated: "This strategic plan for Paediatric and Neonatal Deceased Organ Donation, aims to build a framework that embeds organ donation as a routine end of life care choice for every family facing the death of their child, in circumstances where donation may be possible."
17 children died waiting for a transplant in 2017/2018 and nearly 200 are currently waiting for an organ transplant in the United Kingdom.
The NHS is hoping that bereaved parents will donate their children’s organs to the hundreds of poorly babies and children in hospitals across the nation.
It is understood that nearly half of the families who are asked to consider donating say no. Children are waiting on organs for up to 70 days because of the dwindling number of donors.
The NHS is hoping to boost the number of donors by training clinical staff about organ donation and offering more support to bereaved families.
Children can sign up to become an organ donor but they must have their parents permission to do so.
