This week marks Organ Donation Week (23 - 29 September), and various NHS trusts are taking the opportunity to highlight its importance.

The aim of Organ Donation Week is to address the shortage of organ donors by encouraging people to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

This year, the NHS Organ Donor Register celebrates its 30th birthday. Over 16,000 people registered nationally to become organ donors in 2023.

It is assumed that when someone dies in circumstances where they could be a donor, that they agree to donate if they haven’t officially opted out but no one is automatically added to the Organ Donor Register.

Donation can only happen if the person dies on a ventilator in intensive care.

Buildings across the UK are to be lit up to raise awareness about organ donation.

In Dudley, Russell’s Hall Hospital, Dudley Council House and Dudley Zoo and Castle will all be lit up in pink.

Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member for public health, commented: “Being an organ donor is one of the most generous things a person can do. This one selfless gift can transform so many lives. I’d encourage everyone to find out more about the campaign and sign up as an organ donor.”

Trusts will also be marking the occasion by wearing pink and running local events such as bake sales.

At Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, their Organ Donation Committee will be hosting an awareness stall at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Thanks to the support of Bradford Teaching Hospitals during Organ Donation Week, we can get the message across to more people that organ donation saves lives.

"Every day across the UK thousands of patients and their families are waiting for a life-saving call. But this can often only happen as a result of another family receiving very difficult news and supporting organ donation to help others.

"With more people, both adults and children, waiting for transplants, it’s more important than ever to confirm your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. We urge everyone to take a moment this Organ Donation Week to register and confirm your decision."

Up to nine people’s lives can be saved when a person donates their organs after death and more can be saved when tissue is donated.