Staff at Dorset County Hospital asked people to think about the gift of organ donation as they switched on their Christmas tree lights.
The hospital’s organ donation team has sponsored a tree in the courtyard near North Wing reception to highlight the importance of discussing your wishes around organ donation with your family.
Local supplier Trinity Street Christmas Trees kindly gave a discount on the tree and the lights were generously sponsored by local firm Knighton Plumbing and Heating.
DCH Clinical Lead for Critical Care and organ donation lead Dr Andrew Ball said: “Every day in the UK, three people die whilst waiting for an organ transplant.
“It is possible that any of us may be in a position to help others after our death through the gift of organ donation.
“We would like you to consider discussing this with your family and loved ones and if appropriate joining the organ donation register. Make a choice and make it known.”
By donating your organs after you die, you will help save and transform the lives of desperately ill people.
Each donor is precious as only around 5,000 people each year in the UK die in circumstances where they can become a donor. So if you want to make a real difference join the NHS Organ Donor Register and talk about your donation decision with family and friends. Letting them know what you’ve decided now makes it much easier for them to support your decision to be a donor.
To find out more visit the Organ Donation website at www.organdonation.nhs.uk
