More Black and Asian people in Havering are being urged to join the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) to help save more lives through transplantation.
There are 53 people in the borough waiting for an organ transplant – 19 of whom are from ethnic minorities.
Black and Asian people often have to wait three times longer than the wider population for a transplant.
An organ donation campaign, being launched by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), aims to tackle this urgent shortage.
Julie Whitney, specialist nurse for organ donation at NHSBT, said: “Successful transplants can be carried out between people from different ethnic groups, but patients from the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match. To ensure all patients have the opportunity of a successful transplant it is absolutely vital that people from all ethnic backgrounds join the ODR.”
Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions, inlcuding Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
Those unsure or uncomfortable with their faith’s position on donation should ask a member of their clergy, a spokesman for the register said.
To help call@ 0300 123 23 23 or visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here