MORE people are being encouraged to sign up to the organ donation register after donor numbers dropped for the first time in years.

Figures published this week found 35 Worcestershire residents have died while waiting for an organ transplant in the last five years, and 94 people in the county are currently waiting for a transplant.

In Herefordshire, 11 residents have died while on the waiting list and 31 people are still on that list.

This follows the news that in 2014/15, the number of people donating organs fell for the first time in 11 years around the UK.

Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant’s director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “We are truly grateful to the deceased donors who enabled 29 people in Worcestershire and seven people in Herefordshire to receive an organ transplant last year. Their donations have saved and improved lives. Sadly, a number of people have died while on the transplant waiting list in the past five years.

“We cannot hope to save more lives unless there is a revolution in attitudes towards organ donation. We need everyone talk about organ donation with their families and agree to donate if ever they are asked.

“We understand that families are expected to consider donation in their darkest hour. So we would remind everyone to tell those closest to you now if you want to donate your organs and record that decision by joining the thousands of others in two counties who are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Should the time come, your family will know you want to donate your organs to help to save others.”

Currently, four out of ten families don’t give permission to donate when approached.

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 2323.