Northern Health Trust hears call for more cornea donors 'to create that wonderful gift of sight'
The chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee has highlighted the need for more cornea donors to come forward.
Speaking at a meeting of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust board, at Antrim Hospital, on Thursday, Dr Janet Gray MBE, who is a also a Trust board member, said that cornea donations remain “very low”.
Dr Gray said: “People quite often opt out because they are quite squeamish about their eyes. Corneas are the clear film at the front of the eyes. It can be stored for up to 28 days. One donor can restore the sight of ten people.
“I feel as a blind person, I am hopefully in the right place to help create awareness and change attitudes to create that wonderful gift of sight.”
Dr Gray is a founder member, former chair, director and currently honorary president of Disability Sports NI. She is four times World Disabled Water Ski Champion and world record-holder.
Last year, ten people donated their organs after death in the Northern Trust area, resulting in 26 transplants, including life-saving heart and lung transplants. There are currently more than 150 people in Northern Ireland awaiting organ donation.
The Trust is using Organ Donation Week (September 21-27) to highlight the urgent and ongoing need for organ donors, while paying tribute to the generosity of donors and families whose decisions continue to save and transform lives.
Dr George Gardiner, the Northern Trust’s executive director of medicine, said in a statement: “Organ donation can save and transform lives, but there continues to be a significant need for more donors. Every day, there are people waiting for a transplant that could give them the chance of a longer, healthier life.
“During Organ Donation Week, we want to encourage people to make their wishes known and, importantly, talk to their loved ones about their decision. Organ donation is only possible because of the generosity of donors and the support of families who make decisions at an incredibly difficult time.
“Every donor and every family who supports donation leaves an incredible legacy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps give others the chance of a longer, healthier life.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter