More than 740 patients in the North West wait for an organ donor to save their life

THE latest annual figures published on 12 July 2023 by NHS Blood and Transplant show that last year (2022/23) there was a 5% increase in the number of patients whose lives were saved or improved through an organ transplant in the UK.

The annual Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Activity Report shows that 4,532 patients received donated organs from 2,386 donors; living and deceased; in the UK last year (2022/23). A five per cent increase on figures in 2021/22.

In the North West 427 patients received a living or deceased transplant, compared to 457 in 2021/22. There are currently over 7,000 people on the active transplant waiting list in the UK, including:- 745 patients from the North West.

Clinicians warn that opportunities for transplant are still being missed due to families declining to support donation. People in the North West are being urged to confirm their organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, families are more likely to support donation when they already know it was what their relative wanted. Nine out of 10 families honour their family member when the donor had confirmed their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Last year (2022/23) there were 225 organ donors in the North West; living and deceased; compared with 215 donors the year before.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:- "Over 50,000 people are alive in the UK today thanks to the life-saving gift of organ donation, and 427 people had a transplant in the North West, in 2022. But this wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors and their families who have given their support for donation at what is often the most difficult of times. We know that most people support organ donation in principle, and we have seen a steady increase in the number of people confirming their support for organ donation via the NHS Organ Donor Register, including:- 2.6 million in the North West. However, we still need families to support their loved one's decision and agree to donation when approached, which we know is most likely when they know that's what they wanted. With only one per cent of people dying in circumstances where organ donation is possible, every donor is precious and has the potential to save up to nine lives. We urge everyone who supports organ donation to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It is a simple action which only takes two minutes; but can ultimately save lives."

To find out more, and confirm your support for organ donation, visit:- OrganDonation.NHS.UK, call:- 03001232323 or use the NHS app.

Local Government Association says:- "Social care workforce plan needed" following publication of report

RESPONDING to the Skills for Care Size and Structure, 2023 report, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "While it is positive to see the size of the social care workforce increasing, we know that issues remain with a huge number of vacancies unfilled. Our incredible social care staff go to extraordinary lengths to provide vital care and support to millions of people, despite facing immense challenges. Social care faces a huge recruitment and retention crisis, the demands on which will only increase unless care vacancies are filled. A dedicated plan to promote, protect, support and develop careers in social care, alongside better pay, terms and conditions, would both strengthen the wellbeing and recognition of those who work in this essential vocation, as well as benefit the people who draw on care."

Damien Moore MP comments on the 154th Open Golf announcement

SOUTHPORT MP Damien Moore has released the following statement from  regarding the 154th Open Championship that will again be hosted by Royal Birkdale Golf Club:- "It is great news that Southport's ability to hold world-class events has again been recognised, with the announcement today that the Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host the Open Championship for the 11th time. I was pleased to welcome the 146th Open to Birkdale in 2017, and I'm sure that the competition in 2026 will be every bit as successful. With our Town's reputation for being a fantastic tourist destination, not only will Southport's economy benefit from the subsequent boost in visitors to the area, but I am also confident that our local hospitality businesses will warmly welcome all fans of the competition."

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