is the stark reminder from regional organ donation nurses at University Hospitals Tees as they appeal to communities to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
As Organ Donation Week runs from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September, a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation, organ donation nurses are reminding the public that more than 8,000 people need a transplant in the UK.
Since its creation in 1994, thousands of lives have been saved thanks to people agreeing to donate their organs after death by confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
However, more people than ever before need a life-saving transplant across the UK, with more than 8,000 people on the active waiting list, including around 100 people at University Hospitals Tees.
As a result, communities are encouraged to register their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, which was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate.
Specialist nurse organ donation Sam Allan said:
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 Teesside and North Yorkshire to confirm their decision on the register today to save more lives now and in the future.”
Throughout the week, University Hospitals Tees will be supporting the campaign by sharing inspiring stories of former patients about how receiving organ transplants saved their lives.
This includes a nurse who is celebrating ten years since receiving an organ transplant, and youngsters waiting for a kidney transplant.
Kidney consultant Jonathan Murray said: “Every day, lives are lost with people dying while waiting for an organ transplant, but most of us will accept an organ if we need one.
“It only takes two minutes to register your decision. Two minutes now could save up to nine lives.
“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 consider registering and confirming your decision.”
Individuals are encouraged to register their decision by visiting the NHS Organ Donor Register website.