Farron launches 2013 organ donor campaign in Parliament - and calls on Hospitals Trust to appoint organ co-ordinator for Kendal

South Lakes MP Tim Farron met with representatives from Transplant 2013 this week to offer his support to the campaign and raise awareness of organ transplantation in Parliament. Transplant 2013 is campaigning to reach the target to increase organ donation after death by 50% in 2013; the current figure stands at just over 25%. Transplant 2013 asked Mr Farron to provide political leadership for the campaign and ensure that organ transplantation is a priority for the government's health policy.

There are currently around 8000 patients who are waiting for a transplant and 3 people die per day because an organ has not been found. The Organ Donation Taskforce, set up by the government in 2006, estimates that increasing the number of deceased organ donors after death by 50% would save £33.5 million over 30 years and reach thousands more patients with life-saving treatment. To achieve this target, Transplant 2013 is working to increase public awareness of organ donation and calling on the NHS to appoint organ donation coordinators in all local hospitals.

Mr Farron has expressed his concern that Westmorland General does not currently have an organ donation coordinator and has called on hospital chiefs to create such a post as soon as possible. Organ co-ordinators ensure that organs are matched to those who need a transplant as swiftly as possible.

Mr Farron commenting:

"Transplant 2013 is a fantastic campaign which aims to save lives through increasing organ donation and I am thrilled to be taking this forward in Parliament."

"Increasing public awareness of organ transplantation is essential and I will be doing all I can to raise support for the issue among my colleagues and constituents."

"Coordination between organ donors and patients who need transplants is not as good as it should be and I urge our local Hospital Trust to play its part by appointing an organ donor coordinator as a matter of urgency."