The people of Perth and Kinross are being asked to play their part in saving lives.
NHS Tayside is highlighting its support for this week’s Organ Donation Week with information stands at Perth Royal Infirmary.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “We need everybody” which encourages everyone to sign up to the organ donor register regardless of their ethnicity, body shape, size or medical history.
“There are around 540 people waiting for an organ transplant in Scotland but there are not enough organs to meet these needs and sadly someone dies every day whilst waiting for an organ,” said Lynne Malley, specialist nurse organ donation with NHS Tayside.
“One donor can save or transform up to nine lives so we really need everybody to sign the register. It takes two minutes but could literally save lives.
“43.9% of people in Tayside are signed up to the organ donor register, which is slightly above the Scottish average, but we need more people to register and talk about it so that families can support their last known wishes to donate.
“No one wants to have to make the decision to allow their relative to become a donor, so by sharing these wishes, you make that decision for them.
“Lots of people think they would be unsuitable to donate organs and tissues because of medical history or lifestyle choices but each potential donor is individually assessed and we need people from all ethnicities and backgrounds to register.”
During Organ Donation Week there will be information stands at Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary until Friday to raise awareness of just how successful transplants are and how crucial it is that people discuss their wishes.
Members of local organ donation charity, Revival, will also be on hand for a chat.
To register to be a donor go to www.weneedeverybody.org
