FIFTY-five people in Dorset are waiting to receive a call that could save their life.

This Organ Donation Week (September 2 to 8), NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on people to talk to their families about organ donation to increase the number of saved or transformed by an organ transplant.

Last year, 63 people in Dorset had their lives saved by a transplant.

Next year, the law around organ donation will change in England.

From spring 2020, all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.

Ahead of the law change, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families across England to talk about their organ donation decision.

A recent survey of adults in England for NHS Blood and Transplant found that while 84% agreed it was important to let those closest to you know your views on organ donation, only 40% had shared their organ donation decision with their family or partner.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need more people in Dorset to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.

“Even after the law around organ donation changes next year, families will still be approached before organ donation goes ahead. So it remains so important to talk to your families about your views.

He added: “Register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family the choice you have made. If the time comes, we know families find the organ donation conversation with nurses or medical teams much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.”

To find out more and to register your decision visit organdonation.nhs.uk.