University Hospital entrance lighting up pink to raise awareness of Organ Donation Week

University Hospital, Coventry, will be among landmarks across the country lighting up pink to mark Organ Donation Week (23rd-29th September).

Since its creation in 1994, thousands of lives have been saved thanks to people agreeing to donate their organs after death via the NHS Organ Donor Register.

However, more people than ever before across the UK need a life-saving transplant, with 7,600 people on the active waiting list.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is proudly supporting the campaign.

Thanks to the NHS Blood and Transplant specialist nursing team at UHCW and Danny Walters of W Electrical Services Ltd, who are providing the service for free, the main hospital entrance will be lit up pink daily between 8pm-11.30pm from Monday 23rd until Sunday 29th September.

Dr Robert Green, Consultant in Anaesthetic and Critical Care Medicine and UHCW Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, said: "Donating an organ can mean the precious gift of life to a patient. It is the greatest and kindest gesture we can ever make.

“But we need to make our wishes known for when that incredibly difficult times comes and to help our loved ones make that decision.

"Having those conversations now is so important. It means we know what each of our wishes are when it matters. This week can give people that reason to bring it up.”

With the law around organ donation having changed in 2020 (Max and Kiera’s law), it is important to remember that it is assumed that when someone dies in the circumstances where they could be a donor, that they agree to donate if they haven’t officially opted out.

However, it is important for people to discuss with their families if they have any objection to organ donation and register their decision on the Organ Donor Register.

UHCW Chief Executive Officer, Professor Andy Hardy, said: “The Trust is a proud supporter of Organ Donation Week and highlighting this really important issue.

“Our rotunda entrance at University Hospital is an iconic landmark in Coventry and I look forward to seeing it light up the night sky.

“Confirming your decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register makes it clear to your family that you want to be an organ donor, leaving them certain of your decision at what is a difficult and emotional time.

“We need more people in Coventry and Warwickshire to confirm their decision on the register today in order to save more lives now and in the future.”

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Thanks to the support of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust during Organ Donation Week, we can get the message across to more people that organ donation saves lives.”

It is quick and easy to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23