Feb 15 - Organ Donation: A Step In The Right Direction
The Gibraltar Dialysis Patients and Friends Association welcomes the announcement made by the Government of Gibraltar in connection with the fact that the GHA are preparing to make organ donation to the National Health Service (UK) after death a reality and an option for the people of Gibraltar for the first time.
The Charity says there has been a global surge for organ transplantation during the past decade due to the increased incidence of vital organ failure, the rising success and greater improvement in post-transplant outcome. Gibraltar, unfortunately, is not an exception to this fact. However, the unavailability of adequate organs for transplantation to meet the existing demand has resulted in major organ shortage crises. As a result, there has been a major increase in the number of patients on transplant waiting lists as well as in the number of patients dying whilst on the waiting list.
The establishment of a local Organ Donation Scheme has been part of the objectives of the Charity since its inception 25 years ago. The Charity applauds the work carried out by all concerned in allowing Gibraltar residents to register themselves as an organ donor on the UK. It is fantastic news that the work that we started with the Hon. Dr John Cortes MP is now a reality.
The Charity is proud to see that it's calls to both the GHA and the Department of Health in the United Kingdom in respect of Gibraltar residents having access to the UK NHS Blood and Transplant Organ Donor List and now being able to reciprocate with local organ donations to the UK has not fallen on deaf ears. In particular, the Charity, as a stakeholder, is satisfied of its participation in the process following on from our letter dated 27 July 2014 to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Hunt, on both issues together with the Department of Health’s response dated 15 October 2014 and the positive steps taken by Gibraltar Dialysis Patients and Friends Association. Dr John Cortes to conclude the agreement to include Gibraltar residents on the UK NHS Blood and Transplant Organ Donor List.
Sunil Chandiramani, the President of the Charity stated that “Gibraltar being a caring community, the Charity feels that all Gibraltarians will support the initiative in order to make a difference as one donor can potentially give the gift of life to up to eight other people. This initiative is a step in the right direction for Gibraltar. The Charity would like to wish the Hon Neil Costa MP and the GHA staff involved in the project all the success in bring the programme to life once it is fully implemented.”
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