Latest news with #organDonation
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Houghton heart donation recipient calls for change in rules
A woman who was the first baby to have a heart transplant in the UK says families should not be able to overturn a loved one's decision to donate their donations have almost tripled from 255 in 2020/21 to 680 in 2023/24, according to official figures, leading to an estimated 2,040 "missed opportunities" last Davidson-Olley, from Houghton-le-Spring, who had transplant surgery at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in 1987, said lives were continuing to be Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said families were "always involved" in donation and they might have "important information" which was vital in understanding whether organs were safe for donation. Last year, families refusing donation gave reasons including not knowing what the patient wanted, feeling the donation process took too long, not wanting any further surgery to the body, or it was against religious and cultural research carried out by Bangor University found some families did not understand the soft opt-out laws, introduced in England in 2020, where patients are presumed to have given consent for donation unless they specifically opted out of the organ donation register. "The knock-on impact is lives won't be saved, it's as simple as that. Organs need to be used here, not in heaven," Ms Davidson-Olley, now 38, said."The figures [for organ donations] are extremely low, and we need to boost that up and we need public help to do that."Ms Davidson-Olley praised the NHS, but said the sole decision to remain opted-in to the Organ Donation Register should be honoured, where appropriate. According to the NHS, for every one donor, an average of three organs can be transplanted, potentially saving additional lives."You're giving a life, you're giving a gift, look at me 38 years post-transplant - I love my life and I couldn't be thankful enough to what I've been given," Ms Davidson-Olley said."Have the conversation [with your family] and share your wishes." Figures from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 showed that 140 families overruled a patient's "opt-in decision". A further 540 families did not support "deemed consent", where there is no expressed decision and so the patient is assumed to support organ all those cases, no donation went ahead. Terry Archbold previously told the BBC he and his partner were split over organ donation after their daughter Isabel was his partner Cheryl agreed, Mr Archbold said he had initially refused organ donation as he had never given the subject consideration, and a "protective instinct kicked in" that "didn't want anyone to touch her".However, it was only after having a discussion he said he realised they would be "hopefully saving other parents from experiencing the same feelings we had". Families consulted A spokesperson for NHSBT said families were often aware of a patient's "medical, travel and social history" and which was "vital to understanding" whether their organs were "safe to transplant", or had more recent information than a decision recorded on the donor said while families were expected to support a patient's decision to donate, the circumstances in which a person died were "often very sudden and traumatic", and said it was encouraging people to be clear with family members about their wishes."Families are far more likely to support donation when they already know it was what their relative wanted," the spokesperson said."Almost 90% of people honoured their family members decision last year when they had either registered their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register or had spoken with their family about wanting to be an organ donor."The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was encouraging everybody to "register their decision" which "only takes two minutes and could save up to nine lives".A spokesperson added the DHSC was making it "as easy as possible" for those to record their preference on the register. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
HonorBridge Celebrates 40 Years With Fifth Straight Best Employer Win
CHAPEL HILL, NC / ACCESS Newswire / June 2, 2025 / HonorBridge, North Carolina's largest organ donation and tissue recovery organization, is proud to announce it has been named a 2025 Best Employer in North Carolina by Business North Carolina Magazine, marking its fifth consecutive year receiving this recognition. The honor comes during a landmark year as HonorBridge celebrates its 40th anniversary of saving and healing lives across the state. With offices in Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, and Greenville, HonorBridge serves as the vital link between selfless donors and the recipients whose lives are transformed by their gifts. The Best Employer award reflects HonorBridge's ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of purpose, inclusivity, and respect. 'Receiving this recognition for the fifth year in a row, and during our 40th anniversary, makes this moment especially meaningful,' said Danielle Bumarch, JD, RN, President & CEO of HonorBridge. 'Our staff face incredibly emotional and complex work with unmatched compassion and professionalism. We work hard to ensure they feel supported, valued, and inspired, because their work saves lives every single day." The Best Employer designation is based on a thorough evaluation of workplace policies, practices, and employee feedback. It highlights organizations that prioritize well-being, inclusion, and engagement across all levels. Since its founding in 1985, HonorBridge has grown into one of the Southeast's most respected organ procurement organizations (OPOs). The 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of decades of service, but also a recommitment to our mission: building connections that save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. To learn more about HonorBridge and how to sign up as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, visit About HonorBridge: HonorBridge is the federally designated, not-for-profit organ donation and tissue recovery organization serving 7.5 million people in 77 counties in North Carolina, along with Pittsylvania County in Virginia. With offices in Chapel Hill, Greenville, and Winston-Salem, HonorBridge is devoted to building connections that save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. In North Carolina, almost 4,000 people are currently waiting for organ transplants and nationally, over 100,000 people are on the organ waiting list. For more information, visit or call 1-800-200-2672. Contact Information: Dena Daw Media Relations Content Writer [email protected] 9192590716 Chuck Heald Director of Advocacy & Marketing [email protected] 9192261237 SOURCE: HonorBridge press release
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Derbyshire post-transplant runner 'wanted to do my donor proud'
"I wanted to do my donor proud by exercising with my heart transplant", says Karen 65 year-old transplantee, from Wirksworth in Derbyshire, completed her 50th parkrun on Saturday and said she wanted to show that you can still be active, even after receiving a life-saving Hodgson said doing the Park Run with 11 other transplantees was also a great way of urging people to "give the gift of life" through organ running 19 years after her transplant, Mrs Hodgson said: "We want to show how well and active we can be after receiving a life-saving transplant and to also show that despite a history of poor health, it is possible to get fit." Karen was 26 when she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart said she didn't need a transplant at first after her in 2006, when she was 46, Mrs Hodgson received a new heart after being given just 18 days to live due to her health Hodgson said she was still alive due to the "gift of life" and wanted families to discuss whether they wished to have their organs donated."I'd like people to have the conversation about organ donation because it will save lives and it means families can enjoy each others company for longer", said Mrs of 30 April 2025, NHS Blood and Transplant said around 580 people in the East Midlands were on the waiting list for an organ transplant, including 131 people in 8,000 people in the UK were currently waiting for an organ transplant, NHS Blood and Transplant law surrounding organ donation in England was changed in May 2020 so people had to opt out rather than opt in to become adults in England are now considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. Seven of Mrs Hodgson's group that participate in the Long Eaton parkrun have been selected to represent Team GB at this year's World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany."I will be competing in the 5k road race and the 1500m and 800m track", said Mrs Hodgson."We are a mix of heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, bone marrow and liver transplantees all with amazing stories to tell. "We also have Charlotte running with us who is an altruistic kidney donor and also kidney donors who were able to save their loved ones lives with family donation."Mrs Hodgson said she was "grateful and humble" to represent her country in the upcoming games."I think about my donor and her family whenever I cross a finishing line", she said."I didn't know who she was but her gift has meant I can continue my life and I keep my heart strong to be able to continue running for as long as I can."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Dáithí's letter from Bill Clinton stopped me in my tracks'
A young boy from Belfast has received a letter from a former US President. Dáithí Mac Gabhann who inspired a change in Northern Ireland's organ donation rules received a silver envelope through the letterbox on Thursday. The letter was embellished with "William Jefferson Clinton", who many will know as Bill Clinton. Dáithí's dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann said the letter "stopped me in my tracks... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing". Dáithí's Law was named after seven-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018. The legislation means that most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out. Mr Mac Gabhann told BBC News NI it was as if fate helped Dáithí receive this letter. "Dáithí and I were at Stormont to see the Secretary of State at a Good Friday Agreement event but he was running late... so we took a tour of the Freedom of the City Exhibition." When they went to view the exhibition Mr Mac Gabhann said President Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had been a couple of the last to receive the honour, in 2018. Dáithí also received the honour in 2023 in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation. "I just had a thought and I reached out to Queen's and said I've written letters out about Dáithí and everything that's happened," Mr Mac Gabhann said. It's not every day a letter comes through door in Ballymurphy from a former US President… 🩷 #OrganDonation @BillClinton — Donate4Dáithí (@Donate4Daithi) May 30, 2025 He added that a response did come from Senator George Mitchell quickly because he had still been in Northern Ireland to respond. But the letter from the former president was something unexpected. "Dáithí hit a big redner, jaw on the floor... he knew this was big... he couldn't believe it... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all." He added that it's so positive to have this letter as Dáithí is about to reach his 7th anniversary of waiting for a heart transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost... Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us... as he had been at hospital." Dáithí's 7th anniversary of being on a waiting list for a heart transplant falls on 2 June. In the letter to Dáithí, President Clinton said he was "so proud" to share the Freedom of the City honour "with someone as amazing as you". "Keep up your great work and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York." President Clinton ended the letter with one message - "Keep going!" "It was just an amazing letter, I got a separate letter from President Clinton and he said 'Your letter took my breath away. Press on!' and that's momentous," said Mr Mac Gabhann. Speaking about his son, Mr Mac Gabhann said it has been a long fight and journey for Dáithí but "luck has been on our side" and "the hope is what keeps you going". He reiterated his call for those to consider joining the organ donor register and to talk about it with family and friends. "We rely on the community, our close community, far and wide... don't forget about us. At our lowest points they (the community) have brought us up... as has President Clinton." Dáithí's Law campaigner among Birthday Honours 'Amazing legacy' of Dáithí's Law hailed one year on Organ law inspiration, 6, given freedom honour
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Dáithí's letter from Bill Clinton stopped me in my tracks'
A young boy from Belfast has received a letter from a former US President. Dáithí Mac Gabhann who inspired a change in Northern Ireland's organ donation rules received a silver envelope through the letterbox on Thursday. The letter was embellished with "William Jefferson Clinton", who many will know as Bill Clinton. Dáithí's dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann said the letter "stopped me in my tracks... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing". Dáithí's Law was named after seven-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018. The legislation means that most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out. Mr Mac Gabhann told BBC News NI it was as if fate helped Dáithí receive this letter. "Dáithí and I were at Stormont to see the Secretary of State at a Good Friday Agreement event but he was running late... so we took a tour of the Freedom of the City Exhibition." When they went to view the exhibition Mr Mac Gabhann said President Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had been a couple of the last to receive the honour, in 2018. Dáithí also received the honour in 2023 in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation. "I just had a thought and I reached out to Queen's and said I've written letters out about Dáithí and everything that's happened," Mr Mac Gabhann said. He added that a response did come from Senator George Mitchell quickly because he had still been in Northern Ireland to respond. But the letter from the former president was something unexpected. "Dáithí hit a big redner, jaw on the floor... he knew this was big... he couldn't believe it... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all." He added that it's so positive to have this letter as Dáithí is about to reach his 7th anniversary of waiting for a heart transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost... Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us... as he had been at hospital." Dáithí's 7th anniversary of being on a waiting list for a heart transplant falls on 2 June. In the letter to Dáithí, President Clinton said he was "so proud" to share the Freedom of the City honour "with someone as amazing as you". "Keep up your great work and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York." President Clinton ended the letter with one message - "Keep going!" "It was just an amazing letter, I got a separate letter from President Clinton and he said 'Your letter took my breath away. Press on!' and that's momentous," said Mr Mac Gabhann. Speaking about his son, Mr Mac Gabhann said it has been a long fight and journey for Dáithí but "luck has been on our side" and "the hope is what keeps you going". He reiterated his call for those to consider joining the organ donor register and to talk about it with family and friends. "We rely on the community, our close community, far and wide... don't forget about us. At our lowest points they (the community) have brought us up... as has President Clinton." Dáithí's Law campaigner among Birthday Honours 'Amazing legacy' of Dáithí's Law hailed one year on Organ law inspiration, 6, given freedom honour
