Following the latest episode of BBC Hospital, on Thursday 7th February featuring Liverpool Women's Hospital and the Royal Liverpool Hospital who's team completed three organ transplants in one day, NHS Organ Donation saw a huge increase in people signing up to become organ donors - 2,218% more than on the previous day.
The episode featured deceased and living organ donation, an attempted neonatal donation and an interview with a specialist nurse in Organ Donation.
Lauren had a dichorionic twin pregnancy where one of her babies, Albi, had a rare condition called Anencephaly where the top of the skull does not form properly and therefore the brain is exposed in the womb. Unfortunately, this condition is not compatible with life and all babies with Anencephaly will die soon after birth. Lauren and her family took the brave decision to continue the pregnancy to consider the option of organ donation from Albi to help others. Even though their wishes couldn’t come true, it took immense bravery and strength from Lauren and her partner Gary to think of others at such a difficult time.
During the show’s hour long broadcast on BBC2 and in the hour following, 1,391 people signed up as organ donors through social media channels, by searching for organ donation online and signing up through the Royal Liverpool Hospital website. Compared to 60 the same period the previous day.
Andrea Ttofa, Head of Organ Donation Marketing for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’re delighted that BBC Hospital inspired so many people to sign up as organ donors.
“We know personal stories of donation and transplantation are extremely powerful and prompt people to sign up to save lives
“We would urge everyone to tell their family they want to be an organ donor to ensure their family honour this decision.
“Around 6,000 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant and there are many more who would benefit from a transplant. Last year more than 400 people died in the UK waiting for a transplant.”
Have you thought about Organ Donation? Get involved in a conversation with your friends, family and NHS Organ Donation to see how you could make a huge difference to someone’s life.
Learn more and register to become a donor by visiting the Organ Donation website.
You can catch up on Hospital via the BBC Iplayer here.