Jade’s family back new donor 'champion' (From Bournemouth Echo)

Jade’s family back new donor 'champion'

7:00am Monday 6th July 2009 in

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A MOTHER who allowed her little girl’s organs to be donated has welcomed the appointment of a local “champion” to try and boost the number of transplants.

Dr Peter Berridge, a consultant in anaesthesia and critical care, is the first clinical donor champion at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust.

“There are currently over 15 million people registered on the organ donation register, yet last year there were 8,000 patients waiting for a transplant,” he explained.

“Part of my role includes assisting the trust to help increase the number of people on the register, which will help to reduce the waiting list and ultimately save lives.”

Debbie Stoner’s seven-year-old daughter Jade died following a road traffic accident outside the family’s Christchurch home in 2006.

But she and her husband John take comfort from their decision to donate the youngster’s organs.

“It was 100 per cent the right thing to do. We feel she’s helped save four people’s lives,” said Debbie.

“It’s a heartbreaking time, but it’s about trying to make people realise that doctors have done everything possible for that person and maybe they can now help save someone else. So many organs go wasted because families are not approached.” Dr Berridge said: “It is really important that people talk about organ donation with their families and make their wishes known.

“Although this may seem like a morbid subject, it can help a family make a decision if this was ever needed.”

He pointed out that a single donor could save or improve several lives.

“For example they can donate two kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas, two lungs, each of which can help save or improve the lives of others. You are far more likely to become an organ recipient than an organ donor.”

Dr Berridge will be working closely with a donation committee, a lead nurse for organ donation, and with a transplant coordinator, soon to be based locally.

He will be promoting organ donation so that all opportunities are realised, and help make sure that discussions about donation become a normal part of end-of-life care for suitable patients.

The UK is way down the league table for organ donation compared to its European neighbours.

• To join the register, visit nhsbt.nhs.uk. People can also sign up when applying for a European Health Insurance Card; renewing or applying for driving licences or passports; or when applying for a Boots Advantage Card.