Organ and Tissue Donation Week: NHS Lothian urges people to make their decision known on organ donation

NHS Lothian

In Scotland, everyone has a choice when it comes to organ and tissue donation - to be a donor, or to opt out.

As Organ and Tissue Donation Week coincides with National Eye Health Week (22-28 September) perhaps now’s the time to consider any decisions about cornea donation, or other organ donation.

If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it is assumed they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.

The key things you should know about organ donation

· If you’ve made your organ and tissue donation decision, tell your family and friends.

· Because if your loved ones know your decision, it’ll make it easier for them to ensure it is honoured.

· You should also register your decision on the Organ Donor Register.

· Knowing your decision will make it easier for family and friends to ensure it is honoured, so don’t leave them in doubt.

· People in Scotland aged 16 or over have the choice to be an organ and tissue donor, or to opt out.

· If you do nothing, it is assumed you agree to be a donor if you die in circumstances where donation is possible.

Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt

In Lothian, over 610,000 people have registered their decision already, which is 67.4% of the population.

You can register your donation decision and find out more at www.organdonation.scot or call 0300 123 2323