AN APPEAL to help end the wait of the 46 people on transplant waiting lists in Worcestershire has been reiterated heading into Organ Donation Week.

The annual awareness programme from NHS Blood and Transplant, which runs until Sunday, is urging people across the county to talk to their families about organ donation.

More than 7,000 people, including 200 children, are predicted to need an organ transplant and 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.

Last year, 21 people in Worcestershire had their lives saved by a transplant after someone died and donated their organs and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for more families in Worcestershire to talk and share their organ donation decision to increase the chances of the many children, young people and adults in need.

As part of the week, the impact for patients is being highlighted with the release of a new song from the Harmonies of Hope children’s choir called Invisible.

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

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, at NHS Blood and Transplant, says:

“Every day across the UK there are thousands of patients and their families waiting for that all important life-saving call, including 46 people in Worcestershire. 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 is important that people are aware that families will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.

“It is just as important as ever to make your 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 Worcestershire to take a moment this Organ Donation Week to talk and share your decision.”

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