You are never too old to register as an organ donor

Sunday, 30 August 2009

A recent poll taken of 1,540 people throughout the UK found that many people who were over 55 or suffered from various illnesses thought that their organs were not worth donating, says a recent report on BBC.co.uk.

Fifty-four per cent of over 55s reported that they thought they were too old or too ill for their organs to be useful. This compares to 15 per cent of under 55s. These figures are borne out by those on the donor register where only 16 per cent of the over 55s are signed up while nearly one third of 16 to 25 year olds and a quarter of 26 to 35 year olds have offered to donate their organs.

However, the official body NHS Blood and Transplant Authority said this is not at all the case as it is, in fact, important to have donors from all age groups.

The only two conditions, they said, that would disallow organ donation would be if someone suffered from HIV or vCJD.

Obviously if you suffer from heart or kidney problems, for example, You would not donate your heart or kidney. However, you could donate other body organs if they are suitable.

In fact, there are 23 organs that can be donated in total as well as tissue such as skin, bone and tendons.

Professor James Neuberger, associate medical of NHS Blood and Transplant said: "The belief that there is some sort of age limit on becoming an organ donor is a complete myth.

"Organs are successfully transplanted from people in their 70s and 80s, and the oldest cornea donor recorded was 104 years old."

The professor added that only a small number of illnesses prevent people from donating their organs after they die. For this reason they would encourage anyone of any age who wants to, to sign up to be a donor and let their nearest and dearest know of their wishes. There are currently 10,000 people who are in need of a transplant so all willing donors with the few abovementioned exceptions are gratefully received.

With Britain having one of the lowest rates of organ donation in Western Europe, the NHS Blood and Transplant Authority is now making a plea for more willing donors of all age groups to come forward and register.

The Professor commented: ""Many people joke that we wouldn't want their organs, but with 10,000 people currently in need of a transplant, we really do."

  What's this?