Organ donation offers the opportunity to give the gift of life – a message that NHS Lanarkshire’s Organ Donation Committee strives to promote.

Director of public health Dr Harpreet Kohli, who is stepping down as committee chair as he retires from NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Donation not only helps transform an individual’s life, but also that of all their family and friends, who have been supporting their loved-one as they wait for a transplant.

“It can also bring comfort to donor families.”

The committee members, who include clinical leads and specialist nurses, maintain the drive to increase organ donation locally.

Harpreet said: “The key objectives are to influence policy and practice so organ donation is considered in all appropriate situations, to ensure a discussion about organ or tissue donation features in all end-of-life care while respecting the wishes of individuals, and to maximise the overall number or organs donated through better support to potential donors and their families.

“So the message to staff is to think about opportunities for organ or tissue donation if they present themselves within your work. I’d also urge colleagues to help boost the number of potential donors in Lanarkshire by considering signing up to the Organ Donor Register.

“This year we have an added opportunity to highlight organ donation as the Westfield Health British Transplant Games will be hosted in North Lanarkshire in July. Find out more here – www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk.

“The Games are organised to highlight the benefits of organ donation and to prove you can lead a normal and active life after transplantation. They also mark our appreciation to donor families and live donors.

“NHS Lanarkshire has provided support for the Games as we realise they provide a powerful opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation and increase registration on the Organ Donor Register in Lanarkshire.”