Give the gift of life at Balmoral Show - McGimpsey

With over 300 people currently waiting for organ donation in Northern Ireland, the Health Minister has urged people to join the Organ Donor Register.

Michael McGimpsey was speaking at the Balmoral Show, where the Public Health Agency (PHA), on behalf of the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), is hosting an Organ Donor stand, to increase awareness of this emotive issue and to help improve rates of organ donation here.

Over 10,000 people in the UK currently need a transplant and, of these, nearly 1,000 each year die waiting because there are not enough organs available. Although the national programme of Organ Donation has encouraging uptake results to date, there are still only one in four adults in Northern Ireland registered as potential organ donors.

Speaking at the event at Belfast’s King’s Hall, Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, said: “We all have the opportunity to help others in need simply by joining the Organ Donor Register. I would ask everyone in Northern Ireland, who has not already done so, to take this simple step today and to go home tonight and discuss this vital issue with their family and friends.”

With over 70,000 people attending the Balmoral Show, it offers an excellent platform to provide information on organ donation and help highlight the fact that there is a shortage of donors.

The Minister continued: “Organ donation coordinators from all over Northern Ireland, along with professionals from the PHA, will be available during the show to provide information and answer any queries or concerns.”

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, said: “Although there has been a marked increase in the UK’s population registering as a donor, three quarters of the population in Northern Ireland are still not registered. The stand at the Balmoral Show will allow us to engage with a large and diverse audience, making them aware of the importance of organ donation and encouraging them to register as a donor today.”

If anyone would like to register as an organ donor, they should contact 0300 123 23 23 or visit http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk.

During his visit to the Balmoral Show, the Minister also visited a stand hosted by Diabetes UK. As part of a campaign to raise awareness of diabetes, the ‘Measure Up Roadshow’ is visiting 79 locations across the UK to highlight the link between the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a person’s waist measurement.

Michael McGimpsey also called at the safe food stand, who’s theme was ‘Don’t Take Risks’ – a reminder to consumers of the risks associated with poor food safety practices. Safe food demonstrated the importance of hand washing using ultraviolet light-activated dust to demonstrate to children the germs that can be left on their hands.

Notes to editors:

1. You can join the NHS Organ Donor Register by:

• Filling in a form online
• Calling the NHS Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23 (lines are open 24 hours a day)
• By texting SAVE to 84118

You can also join when you are:

• Registering for a driving licence
• Applying for a Boots Advantage card
• Registering at a GP surgery
• Registering for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Leaflets are also displayed in GP surgeries, libraries and many hospitals and pharmacies.

2. In November 2009 the PHA held a seminar on Organ Donation in Northern Ireland. The 14 recommendations highlighted by the Organ Donation Taskforce can be viewed on the PHA Website - Organ Donation Seminar November 4 2010.

3. For further information, contact the PHA Press Office, Ormeau Avenue on tel: 028 9031 1611 or DHSSPS Press Office on tel: 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.