Nottingham buildings turn pink to raise awareness around organ donation
Many well-known Nottingham buildings will be in the pink on Wednesday 9th September to mark national Organ Donation Week, which runs from 7th -13th September this year
The annual campaign, run by NHS Blood and Transplant services, aims to raise awareness of organ donation, why it’s important, the life-saving impact it has, and encourage people to discuss the issue with loved ones and register their wishes online.
Among the buildings that will be taking on a distinctly rosy glow on Wednesday evening include the Queen’s Medical Centre, Kingsmill Hospital, the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building (pictured) and the Council House in Market Square.
This year, following a change in the law that means organ donation in England is now an ‘opt out’ system, the Organ Donation Committee at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust are joining NHS Blood and Transplant in asking people speak to their loved ones about what they want to happen to their organs after they die, and to register their wishes through the online organ donation register.
Currently in the UK there are over 4,200 people waiting for an organ transplant. National data from the NHS Blood and Transplant service reveals that, compared to last year, there has been a 1% fall in the number of deceased donors, whilst the number of living donors fell by 4%. Sadly hundreds of people die every year whilst waiting for an organ.
Sadie Harris, Specialist Nurse (Organ Donation) at NUH Trust said: “The change to an ‘opt out’ system has brought with it some misconceptions, but we want to use this week to reassure people that they still have control of what happens to their organs after they die. Donated organs improve and very often save lives, so we’re encouraging people considering organ donation to visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website and to register their decision today”.
Councillor Eunice Campbell-Clark, Portfolio Holder for Health, HR and Equalities at Nottingham City Council said: “We’re delighted to light the Council House pink this Wednesday, in support of such a fantastic cause. Hopefully local people will take the opportunity to have the conversation, and make their wishes around organ donation known”.
As well as turning local buildings pink, the trust has also worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to wrap two of its fire engines with distinctive pink organ donation artwork, in a bid to reach more people with this important message.
Damien West, Area Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are proud to be supporting Nottingham University Hospitals and the NHS for this campaign. We have found that previous appliance wrapping has been really good at spreading important messages, and we hope this one is just as successful”.
You can find out more about organ donation, including what the change in the law means, read personal stories of how organ donations have transformed and save lives, and sign the Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. You can also call 0300 123 23 23.