Iconic buildings across the Black Country are lighting up pink to help spark discussions among families about organ donation this week.
Walsall Healthcare Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust are calling on people to register their donation decision and talk to their families about their wishes as more than 6,500 people are actively waiting for a transplant across the UK.
Both The Manor Hospital and New Cross Hospital have been shining pink, which is the colour of the national Yes I Donate organ donation awareness campaign.
Even though the law around organ donation has now changed across England, Scotland and Wales, family members will always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead.
This means it is still just as important to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and ensure your friends and family know what you want.
Other buildings which have been lit up pink include the library at Lichfield Street Hub in Walsall and the Civic Centre and The Way Youth Zone building in Wolverhampton.
The catering teams at New Cross Hospital have been supporting the event by labelling up their meals with pink stickers and the organ donation team has been hosting engagement stands.
At both Trusts, staff have been encouraged to wear pink, including members of the Executive Team.
Donna Allen, Specialist Nurse Organ Donation for Midlands Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “‘It is so important that we let our families know our wishes about organ donation.
“The law around organ donation has changed but your family will always be consulted. Hundreds of opportunities a year are missed when families are unsure; families always want to do the right this for their loved ones and honour their wishes.
“This is difficult to do if they do not understand in life, what your wishes about organ donation are. So let’s leave them certain! Let your family know your wishes regarding organ donation so they can be sure they are supporting your wishes.
“You can also register your decision through the organ donor register.”
Nationally, three people die every day in need of an organ.
Donna added: “Only around one per cent of people are ever in a position to give the gift of life through organ donation, it is an incredibly selfless and beautiful gift to save the lives of others.”
To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and share your decision with your family.
Users of the NHS app can also use this to record, check or amend their details or decision.