http://www.nerysevans.org/am-welcomes-presumed-consent-consultation
Plaid AM Nerys Evans this week welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart, to launch a 12 week public consultation to find out if a change is needed to the current organ donation consent system. This consultation period will find out if the Welsh Government should move forward and propose a legislative change to the current system. Currently you have to register if you are willing to be an organ donor.
Plaid AM Nerys Evans said:
“I very much welcome this announcement by the Health Minister and it is something I have been campaigning on since my election. There is currently a dire shortage of organs available for transplants; this really is a matter of life and death – in the last year alone 22 people died while waiting for a transplant. When questioned, 90% of people say that they agree with the principle of organ donation, but unfortunately only 27% of people in Wales actually get round to signing up to the organ donor register. With a new opt out system in place many more lives would be saved and I now look forward to hearing the results of the consultation so that we can move forward with this issue.”
Saturday 23 May 2009
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Organ donation change?
May 12 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
WALES has taken another step towards becoming the first UK nation to change the law on organ donation.
Health Minister Edwina Hart yesterday launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.
Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.
But relatives would still be consulted about, and have the right to veto, organ donation.
The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.
Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.
There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.
Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh Secretary of the British Medical Association, said: “There is little doubt that such a system would produce a far higher potential donor rate than at present, which is far too low at 22%.
“Experience of other European countries that have already introduced an opt-out scheme have proven this to be the case.
“In previous public opinion surveys, the vast majority of people say they would be willing to donate their organs. Unfortunately, this does not translate into people who actually sign the register.
“This is where the crux of the problem lies. People want to be donors but, for whatever reason, they just do not get round to signing the register.
“Of course, that would not be an issue with an opt-out system, and that is how a change to legislation could make all the difference to anyone left waiting on the organ donor register.”
The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.
In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “It is clear that there is significant support for increasing organ donation rates and a wide range of suggestions were put forward on how this might be achieved, including possible changes to the consent system.
“The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.
“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”
Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “This is an important step forward for those waiting for a transplant and sends a genuine message of hope.
“It is important that members of the public are given the chance to express their views on this issue and engage in the debate, which is why we welcome this latest step by the Health Minister.
“Through the introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation and more donor co-ordinators many more lives can be saved in Wales.”
Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Health Minister, added: “We welcome any moves that can lead to an increase in the number of people on the organ donor register.
“With one person dying every 11 days in Wales waiting for a transplant, it’s clear more needs to be done to increase the numbers of donors. However the Assembly Government must ensure that any moves to increase the number of organ donors are coupled with moves to add to the number of donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals.
“There is no point increasing the number of organs available for transplant if the Welsh health system cannot cope.”
WALES has taken another step towards becoming the first UK nation to change the law on organ donation.
Health Minister Edwina Hart yesterday launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.
Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.
But relatives would still be consulted about, and have the right to veto, organ donation.
The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.
Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.
There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.
Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh Secretary of the British Medical Association, said: “There is little doubt that such a system would produce a far higher potential donor rate than at present, which is far too low at 22%.
“Experience of other European countries that have already introduced an opt-out scheme have proven this to be the case.
“In previous public opinion surveys, the vast majority of people say they would be willing to donate their organs. Unfortunately, this does not translate into people who actually sign the register.
“This is where the crux of the problem lies. People want to be donors but, for whatever reason, they just do not get round to signing the register.
“Of course, that would not be an issue with an opt-out system, and that is how a change to legislation could make all the difference to anyone left waiting on the organ donor register.”
The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.
In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “It is clear that there is significant support for increasing organ donation rates and a wide range of suggestions were put forward on how this might be achieved, including possible changes to the consent system.
“The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.
“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”
Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “This is an important step forward for those waiting for a transplant and sends a genuine message of hope.
“It is important that members of the public are given the chance to express their views on this issue and engage in the debate, which is why we welcome this latest step by the Health Minister.
“Through the introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation and more donor co-ordinators many more lives can be saved in Wales.”
Andrew RT Davies, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Health Minister, added: “We welcome any moves that can lead to an increase in the number of people on the organ donor register.
“With one person dying every 11 days in Wales waiting for a transplant, it’s clear more needs to be done to increase the numbers of donors. However the Assembly Government must ensure that any moves to increase the number of organ donors are coupled with moves to add to the number of donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals.
“There is no point increasing the number of organs available for transplant if the Welsh health system cannot cope.”
Wales urged to follow Belgium on organ donation
May 11 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to increase the number of organ donors have urged Wales to follow Belgium’s lead.
The Kidney Wales Foundation believes Belgium’s decision to introduce an opt-out organ donation scheme shows how changing the law can increase the number of donors.
And it has said Wales should heed the Belgian example.
The calls come as the Welsh Assembly Government prepares to publish a range of options for organ donation in Wales.
It is thought that one of these will be the introduction of an opt-out system.
Wales, like the rest of the UK, currently has an opt-in organ donation system – people who want to donate their organs after their death must sign up to the Organ Donor Register.
But there is growing support for a “soft” opt-out system – also known as “presumed consent”.
Under this system people who do not want to donate their organs would have to register but relatives would still be consulted at the time of death.
Roy J Thomas, chair of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said, on the eve of the first anniversary of the Donate Wales campaign: “The brutal reality is that people in Wales waiting for a transplant are dying because of the shortage of donors – statistically, it’s one person every 11 days.
“We stand at a crossroads where the urgency for change has never been greater.
“Kidney Wales has looked carefully at the way in which other countries in Europe have benefited from the introduction of an opt-out system.
“In the 23 years since this system of organ donation was adopted in Belgium, for example, many more hundreds of lives have been saved in comparison to Wales.
“A responsible and factual debate on this health issue is needed.
“A change to an opt-out system of organ donation, coupled with the introduction of more donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals, would lead to hundreds more lives in Wales being saved by the gift of organ donation.”
Belgium introduced its “soft” opt-out system in 1986 and increased the number of transplant co-ordinators at the same time.
Just 2% of the population has opted out of organ donation – by registering at their local town hall – and the national rate of organ donation rose by 55% within five years.
The latest figures show that in Belgium there were 291 deceased organ donors in 2007 compared to only 51 in Wales – Belgium has one of the highest rates of donors per million people in the world.
There were 488 kidney transplants carried out in Belgium in 2007 from deceased organ donors. During 2007-08 in Wales there were only 84 kidney transplants using cadaveric organs.
Sara Griffiths, 46, who has had a kidney and a pancreatic transplant and lives in Raglan, Monmouthshire, said: “Being on the waiting list for a transplant is gruelling – you’re alive but you’re not living.
“People on the waiting list need hope, they need to know that something proactive is being done to lessen their burden.
“To hear that an opt-out system is being considered would give people on dialysis something to hope for because with more organs available there is a better chance for a life.”
An Assembly Government spokesman said: “Health Minister Edwina Hart is committed to increasing organ donation in Wales and has taken action to achieve this.
“She has worked closely with Kidney Wales Foundation and funded the Donate Wales: Tell a Loved One campaign which aims to encourage people to sign up to the organ donation register and, importantly, to explain their wishes to relatives.
“In addition, a series of public debates were held across Wales to gauge people’s views on organ donation and the issue of presumed consent.”
A summary report of the responses to the debates is due to be published today, along with a consultation document which sets out some specific options for changes to the organ donation system in Wales.
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to increase the number of organ donors have urged Wales to follow Belgium’s lead.
The Kidney Wales Foundation believes Belgium’s decision to introduce an opt-out organ donation scheme shows how changing the law can increase the number of donors.
And it has said Wales should heed the Belgian example.
The calls come as the Welsh Assembly Government prepares to publish a range of options for organ donation in Wales.
It is thought that one of these will be the introduction of an opt-out system.
Wales, like the rest of the UK, currently has an opt-in organ donation system – people who want to donate their organs after their death must sign up to the Organ Donor Register.
But there is growing support for a “soft” opt-out system – also known as “presumed consent”.
Under this system people who do not want to donate their organs would have to register but relatives would still be consulted at the time of death.
Roy J Thomas, chair of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said, on the eve of the first anniversary of the Donate Wales campaign: “The brutal reality is that people in Wales waiting for a transplant are dying because of the shortage of donors – statistically, it’s one person every 11 days.
“We stand at a crossroads where the urgency for change has never been greater.
“Kidney Wales has looked carefully at the way in which other countries in Europe have benefited from the introduction of an opt-out system.
“In the 23 years since this system of organ donation was adopted in Belgium, for example, many more hundreds of lives have been saved in comparison to Wales.
“A responsible and factual debate on this health issue is needed.
“A change to an opt-out system of organ donation, coupled with the introduction of more donor co-ordinators in Welsh hospitals, would lead to hundreds more lives in Wales being saved by the gift of organ donation.”
Belgium introduced its “soft” opt-out system in 1986 and increased the number of transplant co-ordinators at the same time.
Just 2% of the population has opted out of organ donation – by registering at their local town hall – and the national rate of organ donation rose by 55% within five years.
The latest figures show that in Belgium there were 291 deceased organ donors in 2007 compared to only 51 in Wales – Belgium has one of the highest rates of donors per million people in the world.
There were 488 kidney transplants carried out in Belgium in 2007 from deceased organ donors. During 2007-08 in Wales there were only 84 kidney transplants using cadaveric organs.
Sara Griffiths, 46, who has had a kidney and a pancreatic transplant and lives in Raglan, Monmouthshire, said: “Being on the waiting list for a transplant is gruelling – you’re alive but you’re not living.
“People on the waiting list need hope, they need to know that something proactive is being done to lessen their burden.
“To hear that an opt-out system is being considered would give people on dialysis something to hope for because with more organs available there is a better chance for a life.”
An Assembly Government spokesman said: “Health Minister Edwina Hart is committed to increasing organ donation in Wales and has taken action to achieve this.
“She has worked closely with Kidney Wales Foundation and funded the Donate Wales: Tell a Loved One campaign which aims to encourage people to sign up to the organ donation register and, importantly, to explain their wishes to relatives.
“In addition, a series of public debates were held across Wales to gauge people’s views on organ donation and the issue of presumed consent.”
A summary report of the responses to the debates is due to be published today, along with a consultation document which sets out some specific options for changes to the organ donation system in Wales.
Opt-out on cards for organ donation in Wales
Opt-out on cards for organ donation in Wales
May 11 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline
WALES will today take another step closer to becoming the first country in the UK to change the law on organ donation.
Health Minister Edwina Hart has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.
Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.
But relatives would still be consulted about organ donation at the time of death.
The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.
Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.
There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.
The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.
In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.
“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”
Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.
May 11 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline
WALES will today take another step closer to becoming the first country in the UK to change the law on organ donation.
Health Minister Edwina Hart has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an opt-out system in Wales.
Under such a system, which is in use in Belgium and Spain, people who do not want to be considered as organ donors would have to register their decision to opt out.
But relatives would still be consulted about organ donation at the time of death.
The organ donation system currently relies on people registering as potential donors during their lifetime.
Opt-out systems have been credited with increasing the number of organs which are available for transplant.
There are currently more than 500 patients in Wales waiting for an organ transplant. The majority are waiting for a kidney.
The 12-week consultation, which ends on August 3, will ask whether Wales should change the law on organ donation and follows a major public debate between October and January.
In a letter launching the formal consultation Mrs Hart said: “The public debate confirmed that there is an appetite for change to the organ donation consent system with the feedback suggesting a preference for a soft opt-out system.
“The aim of this further consultation exercise is to find out if the Assembly Government should now move forward and propose legislative change.”
Mrs Hart has also commissioned officials to advise the Assembly Government about what legislative options are available to Wales if it decides to go down this route.
Saturday 25 April 2009
WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Giant kidney running marathon in memory of his friend Garry
WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Giant kidney running marathon in memory of his friend Garry
A CARDIFF runner will join the ranks of colourful costumes on Sunday as he tackles the race dressed as a giant kidney.
Gareth Evans, 30, of St Margaret’s Road, Whitchurch, is running the 26-mile course in aid of Kidney Wales following the death of close friend and running mate Garry Newbould.
A long-term supporter of Kidney Wales, Garry died suddenly in January last year.
A CARDIFF runner will join the ranks of colourful costumes on Sunday as he tackles the race dressed as a giant kidney.
Gareth Evans, 30, of St Margaret’s Road, Whitchurch, is running the 26-mile course in aid of Kidney Wales following the death of close friend and running mate Garry Newbould.
A long-term supporter of Kidney Wales, Garry died suddenly in January last year.
Friday 24 April 2009
WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign
WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign
Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign
Apr 24 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail
A HARD-HITTING Welsh organ donor appeal which sparked complaints to the Advertising Standard Authority has led to a massive increase in people wanting to become donors.
Following the launch of the Save Sian television campaign by the Kidney Wales Foundation, the numbers joining the Organ Donor Register in Wales has increased by 62%.
In the first month of the charity’s Donate Wales Save Sian campaign, nearly 4,500 people pledged to become donors. This compares to 2,763 people who signed up during the same period from March 12 to April 9 in 2008. The total number of people now registered as organ donors in Wales is now more than 817,000.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “It is hugely encouraging to the hundreds of people in Wales waiting for a transplant that the response to the Save Sian advert has been so overwhelming.”
He added: “The advert did fuel a small number of complaints, but these were not upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority who in its adjudication said most viewers would understand the importance of the advert.”
The commercial was funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government and depicted a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant.
The advert centred on a six-year-old girl to highlighted the shortage of donors in Wales. Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.”
Organ-donor volunteer numbers soar after TV campaign
Apr 24 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail
A HARD-HITTING Welsh organ donor appeal which sparked complaints to the Advertising Standard Authority has led to a massive increase in people wanting to become donors.
Following the launch of the Save Sian television campaign by the Kidney Wales Foundation, the numbers joining the Organ Donor Register in Wales has increased by 62%.
In the first month of the charity’s Donate Wales Save Sian campaign, nearly 4,500 people pledged to become donors. This compares to 2,763 people who signed up during the same period from March 12 to April 9 in 2008. The total number of people now registered as organ donors in Wales is now more than 817,000.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “It is hugely encouraging to the hundreds of people in Wales waiting for a transplant that the response to the Save Sian advert has been so overwhelming.”
He added: “The advert did fuel a small number of complaints, but these were not upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority who in its adjudication said most viewers would understand the importance of the advert.”
The commercial was funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government and depicted a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant.
The advert centred on a six-year-old girl to highlighted the shortage of donors in Wales. Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.”
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Long transplant wait for Gwent kidney brothers (From South Wales Argus)
Long transplant wait for Gwent kidney brothers (From South Wales Argus)
BROTHERS Tony and Alan Morgan are on opposite sides of the organ transplant divide.
While Tony, 68, needs a new kidney to free him from the thrice-weekly demands of the dialysis that keeps him going, 66-year-old Alan continues to benefit from the donor kidney he received more than four years ago.
As a former chauffeur, Pontypool-born Tony, who lives in rural Monmouthshire, near Abergavenny, was used to covering hundreds of miles a week between South Wales and London whilst working for peers and company directors.
But now his biggest journeys are those making up the 180 miles a week he must travel by ambulance car to Cardiff and back for his vital treatment.
Tony is one of almost 500 people in Wales awaiting an organ transplant, though almost a quarter of these are currently suspended from the list, mainly due to illness.
BROTHERS Tony and Alan Morgan are on opposite sides of the organ transplant divide.
While Tony, 68, needs a new kidney to free him from the thrice-weekly demands of the dialysis that keeps him going, 66-year-old Alan continues to benefit from the donor kidney he received more than four years ago.
As a former chauffeur, Pontypool-born Tony, who lives in rural Monmouthshire, near Abergavenny, was used to covering hundreds of miles a week between South Wales and London whilst working for peers and company directors.
But now his biggest journeys are those making up the 180 miles a week he must travel by ambulance car to Cardiff and back for his vital treatment.
Tony is one of almost 500 people in Wales awaiting an organ transplant, though almost a quarter of these are currently suspended from the list, mainly due to illness.
Thursday 9 April 2009
WalesOnline - News - Transplant miracle Allison planning to be doctor herself
WalesOnline - News - Cardiff News - Transplant miracle Allison planning to be doctor herselfMedical student Allison John is the first person in Britain to have had all her major organs replaced. Greg Tindle discovers just what she’s gone through
AS budding doctor Allison John helps out on the ward rounds most patients would be amazed at just what the medical student has been through.
And when she finally qualifies, no-one but Allison should know more about the importance of a doctor’s bedside manner.
For Allison, 30, is living proof of the importance of organ donation, having received three massive transplants to replace her liver, heart and lungs and finally her kidneys.
All the transplants have proved a success and put her in the record books as the first person in the UK to have all her major organs replaced.
And during all of this Allison has herself helped save a life – donating her heart to a pensioner in Kent.
Despite all this disruption to her life, which started when she was just 17, Allison is now on course to eventually fulfil her dream and start work as a doctor.
Allison had embarked on her medical degree in 2001 and was four years into the five-year course when she had kidney failure and was forced into a three-year break to recover from her final transplant.
It’s only in the past few months that Allison has felt fit enough to resume her studies and is now well on course to complete the final stages of her degree in medicine at Cardiff University.
She said: “I haven’t felt so well for years. Since the kidney transplant I’ve got more energy and got my appetite back and like nothing better than a spicy Mexican meal.”
The kidney transplant carried out two-and-a-half years ago at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales was doubly special for Allison as the donor was her dad, David John, who was discovered to be a perfect match for his ailing daughter.
“When I had kidney problems I was losing a lot of weight, I couldn’t eat properly because everything tasted metallic, and I felt sick all the time and unable to drink very much.”
It was while she was convalescing from the transplant that Allison threw herself into voluntary work supporting the charity Kidney Foundation Wales and encouraging more people to sign up for the UK organ donor register.
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Complaints over DONATE WALES’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Complaints over charity’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected
Complaints over charity’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected
Apr 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
COMPLAINTS about the Donate Wales hard-hitting television advert to boost organ donation rates in Wales have been rejected by the Advertising Standards Authority.
A number of people lodged official complaints with the watchdog about the recent Save Sian advert, which depicted a young girl on haemodialysis.
At the end of the advert, which could only be screened after 7.30pm, the young actress said: “Don’t let me die.”
The advert was the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign which is designed to increase the number of people on the organ donor register in Wales.
But a number of people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that it was “unduly distressing” and “likely to cause particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, and the families of organ donors”.
One person said their child had been upset by the advert.
It is also understood that the Kidney Wales Foundation, which leads the Donate Wales campaign, received a number of complaints about the advert, which was screened on S4C and ITV last month.
But the charity last night said it was standing by the advert as the ASA rejected the complaints.
The Kidney Wales Foundation said it had also written to everyone who complained to the Cardiff- based charity about the advert.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We welcome the ASA’s decision and thank them for their understanding.
“We did not take the decision to make such a hard-hitting television commercial lightly.
“Wales is in the grips of an organ donor crisis that is costing the life of one person every 11 days waiting for a transplant. That is why we made such a powerful, yet factual, commercial that will lead to more people who want to help joining the organ donor register.”
In its adjudication, the ASA said it sympathised with viewers who had found the Save Sian advert upsetting and understood that the issues it raised were very emotive. It considered that most viewers would understand that the advert was raising awareness for organ donation and would accept that it had to be hard-hitting to convey the importance of that message.
The ASA also noted that the advert was given a post-7.30pm restriction, which prevented it from broadcast before, during or immediately after children’s programmes or early in the evening, which meant it was unlikely to be seen by very young children.
It considered that the advert was unlikely to cause undue distress to most viewers, or particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, or the families of organ donors.
The Kidney Wales Foundation last night said it had worked closely with staff at the University Hospital of Wales’ Children’s Kidney Unit, in Cardiff, to develop and make the advert, in a bid to ensure that its content and subject matter showed the reality for a paediatric patient waiting for a kidney transplant.
The advert, in which Sian was played by a six-year-old actress, was designed to tell people that it takes two minutes to sign the organ donor register.
It was funded by a Welsh Assembly Government grant of £70,000 for the ongoing Donate Wales campaign.
There are currently 495 people in Wales on the waiting list for an organ transplant – 441 people on that list are waiting for a new kidney.
Complaints over charity’s ‘distressing’ ad rejected
Apr 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
COMPLAINTS about the Donate Wales hard-hitting television advert to boost organ donation rates in Wales have been rejected by the Advertising Standards Authority.
A number of people lodged official complaints with the watchdog about the recent Save Sian advert, which depicted a young girl on haemodialysis.
At the end of the advert, which could only be screened after 7.30pm, the young actress said: “Don’t let me die.”
The advert was the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign which is designed to increase the number of people on the organ donor register in Wales.
But a number of people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that it was “unduly distressing” and “likely to cause particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, and the families of organ donors”.
One person said their child had been upset by the advert.
It is also understood that the Kidney Wales Foundation, which leads the Donate Wales campaign, received a number of complaints about the advert, which was screened on S4C and ITV last month.
But the charity last night said it was standing by the advert as the ASA rejected the complaints.
The Kidney Wales Foundation said it had also written to everyone who complained to the Cardiff- based charity about the advert.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We welcome the ASA’s decision and thank them for their understanding.
“We did not take the decision to make such a hard-hitting television commercial lightly.
“Wales is in the grips of an organ donor crisis that is costing the life of one person every 11 days waiting for a transplant. That is why we made such a powerful, yet factual, commercial that will lead to more people who want to help joining the organ donor register.”
In its adjudication, the ASA said it sympathised with viewers who had found the Save Sian advert upsetting and understood that the issues it raised were very emotive. It considered that most viewers would understand that the advert was raising awareness for organ donation and would accept that it had to be hard-hitting to convey the importance of that message.
The ASA also noted that the advert was given a post-7.30pm restriction, which prevented it from broadcast before, during or immediately after children’s programmes or early in the evening, which meant it was unlikely to be seen by very young children.
It considered that the advert was unlikely to cause undue distress to most viewers, or particular distress to people awaiting donated organs, their families, or the families of organ donors.
The Kidney Wales Foundation last night said it had worked closely with staff at the University Hospital of Wales’ Children’s Kidney Unit, in Cardiff, to develop and make the advert, in a bid to ensure that its content and subject matter showed the reality for a paediatric patient waiting for a kidney transplant.
The advert, in which Sian was played by a six-year-old actress, was designed to tell people that it takes two minutes to sign the organ donor register.
It was funded by a Welsh Assembly Government grant of £70,000 for the ongoing Donate Wales campaign.
There are currently 495 people in Wales on the waiting list for an organ transplant – 441 people on that list are waiting for a new kidney.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Funds raised in charity Raglan walk (From South Wales Argus)
Hundreds raised in charity Raglan walk (From South Wales Argus)
WALKERS hoping to raise funds to fight kidney disease received olympian inspiration from a Welsh athlete at the Raglan Walk For Life event yesterday.
Monmouth silver medalist Tom Lucy helped lead more than 100 fundraisers over a one mile route, raising £530.87 in the process.
Event organiser Sara Griffiths, 46, was delight at the amount raised.
She said: “Tom is a very caring person and has been particularly supportive of local charities. The proceeds we’ve raised will go to children who are suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure and help to give them improved levels of care.
“I myself had a kidney transplant 14 years ago and without it I would have died.
"This is the first year I’ve done a Walk For Life but it’s a big thing and I hope it will become an annual event.”
All money raised will go to Kidney Wales.
WALKERS hoping to raise funds to fight kidney disease received olympian inspiration from a Welsh athlete at the Raglan Walk For Life event yesterday.
Monmouth silver medalist Tom Lucy helped lead more than 100 fundraisers over a one mile route, raising £530.87 in the process.
Event organiser Sara Griffiths, 46, was delight at the amount raised.
She said: “Tom is a very caring person and has been particularly supportive of local charities. The proceeds we’ve raised will go to children who are suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure and help to give them improved levels of care.
“I myself had a kidney transplant 14 years ago and without it I would have died.
"This is the first year I’ve done a Walk For Life but it’s a big thing and I hope it will become an annual event.”
All money raised will go to Kidney Wales.
PM backs organ donor drive | Number10.gov.uk
PM backs organ donor drive | Number10.gov.uk
The PM has given his support to a 21-year-old student who is trying to set a world record for encouraging people to sign up as organ donors.
Holly Shaw, from Warrington, who received a kidney transplant last year, is trying to get as many people as possible to sign up to the Organ Donor Register on April 7.
Gordon Brown praised the efforts of Ms Shaw and the volunteers that have joined her campaign.
He said:
“I want to give my support and thanks to Holly Shaw and all those involved in her campaign. Joining the organ donation register is a selfless act of kindness which can save many lives and offer new hope for potentially thousands of families across the country.”
Ms Shaw decided to launch the campaign to raise more awareness about the need for organ donors after waiting more than three and a half years to receive her kidney transplant.
There are currently more than 8,000 people in the UK waiting for a transplant and only 26% of the population are on the Organ Donor Register.
The PM has given his support to a 21-year-old student who is trying to set a world record for encouraging people to sign up as organ donors.
Holly Shaw, from Warrington, who received a kidney transplant last year, is trying to get as many people as possible to sign up to the Organ Donor Register on April 7.
Gordon Brown praised the efforts of Ms Shaw and the volunteers that have joined her campaign.
He said:
“I want to give my support and thanks to Holly Shaw and all those involved in her campaign. Joining the organ donation register is a selfless act of kindness which can save many lives and offer new hope for potentially thousands of families across the country.”
Ms Shaw decided to launch the campaign to raise more awareness about the need for organ donors after waiting more than three and a half years to receive her kidney transplant.
There are currently more than 8,000 people in the UK waiting for a transplant and only 26% of the population are on the Organ Donor Register.
Thursday 2 April 2009
Barry fundraisers Walk For Life! (From Barry And District News)
Barry fundraisers Walk For Life! (From Barry And District News)
Barry fundraisers Walk For Life!
11:20am Thursday 2nd April 2009
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Elinor Cross »
THE Barry Walk For Life, held on Sunday, raised more than £1,300 for the Kidney Wales Foundation.
A crowd of walkers started at Morrisons Car Park at 11am. They walked to the Knap, through Romilly Park and back via Broad Street, wearing the official Walk For Life T-shirts.
The event was organised again this year by Gaynor Taylor in memory of her son Richard, who died in 2004, and her husband John, who died two years ago shortly before the walk.
Gaynor said: "It was a lovely day for it and the turn-out was good - we even had some fancy dress walkers."
Four members of the Sullivan family dressed as the 118 runners - provoking reactions from passing cars and pedestrians.
After the walk, Gaynor said: "This year, we raised more than £1,300, and another £500 from the associated quiz night, so although we haven't got a final figure yet, I am really pleased."
All walkers received a certificate to celebrate their achievement.
To find out more about the Kidney Wales Foundation, log on to www.kidneywales.com
Barry fundraisers Walk For Life!
11:20am Thursday 2nd April 2009
Comments (0) Have your say »
By Elinor Cross »
THE Barry Walk For Life, held on Sunday, raised more than £1,300 for the Kidney Wales Foundation.
A crowd of walkers started at Morrisons Car Park at 11am. They walked to the Knap, through Romilly Park and back via Broad Street, wearing the official Walk For Life T-shirts.
The event was organised again this year by Gaynor Taylor in memory of her son Richard, who died in 2004, and her husband John, who died two years ago shortly before the walk.
Gaynor said: "It was a lovely day for it and the turn-out was good - we even had some fancy dress walkers."
Four members of the Sullivan family dressed as the 118 runners - provoking reactions from passing cars and pedestrians.
After the walk, Gaynor said: "This year, we raised more than £1,300, and another £500 from the associated quiz night, so although we haven't got a final figure yet, I am really pleased."
All walkers received a certificate to celebrate their achievement.
To find out more about the Kidney Wales Foundation, log on to www.kidneywales.com
Wednesday 1 April 2009
AM backs organ donation campaign (From Penarth Times)
AM backs organ donation campaign (From Penarth Times)
CARDIFF South and Penarth Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett has joined calls for people across Wales to talk about organ donation in order to save the lives of hundreds of people.
The Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One Campaign, led by the Kidney Wales Foundation and supported by charities including the British Heart Foundation Wales, encourages friends and families to talk about this issue.
Ms Barrett said: "There are many issues that we love to talk about, such as the rugby – yet there are some topics we are more hesitant to discuss.
"One such topic is the donation of our organs when we die."
As the law stands, for organs to be donated the deceased must have signed the organ donation register or the family must give consent for the organs to be taken upon their relative’s death – there can be no presumption of permission.
The principal problem in finding donors is that, in many cases, the family of the deceased do not know that their loved one would have wanted their organs to be donated for transplant.
It is because of the potential for saving lives and the ease with which this can be achieved that the campaign urges people to talk about whether or not they would like their organs to be donated.
There are several ways to make organ donation easier, from talking about it with relatives and friends or by signing up directly to the donation register online (www.donatewales.org) or by telephoning 0845 60 60 400.
CARDIFF South and Penarth Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett has joined calls for people across Wales to talk about organ donation in order to save the lives of hundreds of people.
The Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One Campaign, led by the Kidney Wales Foundation and supported by charities including the British Heart Foundation Wales, encourages friends and families to talk about this issue.
Ms Barrett said: "There are many issues that we love to talk about, such as the rugby – yet there are some topics we are more hesitant to discuss.
"One such topic is the donation of our organs when we die."
As the law stands, for organs to be donated the deceased must have signed the organ donation register or the family must give consent for the organs to be taken upon their relative’s death – there can be no presumption of permission.
The principal problem in finding donors is that, in many cases, the family of the deceased do not know that their loved one would have wanted their organs to be donated for transplant.
It is because of the potential for saving lives and the ease with which this can be achieved that the campaign urges people to talk about whether or not they would like their organs to be donated.
There are several ways to make organ donation easier, from talking about it with relatives and friends or by signing up directly to the donation register online (www.donatewales.org) or by telephoning 0845 60 60 400.
Monday 30 March 2009
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation
Facebook | WalesOnline - News - Health News - Event raises thousands for Kidney Wales Foundation
IT WAS a sunny walk in the park for hundreds of families, friends and children who turned up to lend their support to one of Cardiff’s biggest fundraising events.
Olympic swimming hero David Davies and Commonwealth boxing champion Nathan Cleverley yesterday joined the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life.
The 1.9-mile walk will this year help children who have kidney disease and kidney failure.
The event, which hopes to raise £80,000, was started with kidney patients by Tory leader David Cameron, who was in the city for the Welsh Conservatives’ party conference.
Robert Day, from Caerphilly, whose six-year-old daughter Ella has undergone a kidney transplant, said: “Ella and the rest of the children had a really good time – we loved the face painting and the walk around Bute Park. It was great to meet all the celebrities like Nathan Cleverley and David Davies – they were really good with the children and made the event a special day.”
And Sarra Elgan, a Kidney Wales Foundation ambassador, said: “It was great to see so many people attend such a worthwhile event. It was particularly lovely to meet all the children from the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales – this is what the walk was all about, to help these children and give them a better quality of life.”
The 1.9-mile route looped through city parkland before ending with a celebration lap of the Cardiff Arms Park.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Once again we are grateful to everyone who came to show their support for the children affected by kidney failure and disease. There was a fantastic turnout and, this year, we hope to raise more than £80,000 to fund projects to help these children.”
And Nathan Cleverley, Commonwealth light-heavyweight boxing champion, said: “It is very important to raise awareness about kidney disease and I was glad that I was able to do my bit by taking part in this very enjoyable event.”
Among the projects to benefit from the Walk for Life money, will be the complete refurbishment of the children’s kidney unit in Cardiff, which cares for children from across Wales.
IT WAS a sunny walk in the park for hundreds of families, friends and children who turned up to lend their support to one of Cardiff’s biggest fundraising events.
Olympic swimming hero David Davies and Commonwealth boxing champion Nathan Cleverley yesterday joined the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life.
The 1.9-mile walk will this year help children who have kidney disease and kidney failure.
The event, which hopes to raise £80,000, was started with kidney patients by Tory leader David Cameron, who was in the city for the Welsh Conservatives’ party conference.
Robert Day, from Caerphilly, whose six-year-old daughter Ella has undergone a kidney transplant, said: “Ella and the rest of the children had a really good time – we loved the face painting and the walk around Bute Park. It was great to meet all the celebrities like Nathan Cleverley and David Davies – they were really good with the children and made the event a special day.”
And Sarra Elgan, a Kidney Wales Foundation ambassador, said: “It was great to see so many people attend such a worthwhile event. It was particularly lovely to meet all the children from the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales – this is what the walk was all about, to help these children and give them a better quality of life.”
The 1.9-mile route looped through city parkland before ending with a celebration lap of the Cardiff Arms Park.
Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Once again we are grateful to everyone who came to show their support for the children affected by kidney failure and disease. There was a fantastic turnout and, this year, we hope to raise more than £80,000 to fund projects to help these children.”
And Nathan Cleverley, Commonwealth light-heavyweight boxing champion, said: “It is very important to raise awareness about kidney disease and I was glad that I was able to do my bit by taking part in this very enjoyable event.”
Among the projects to benefit from the Walk for Life money, will be the complete refurbishment of the children’s kidney unit in Cardiff, which cares for children from across Wales.
Sunday 29 March 2009
Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)
Send us your Walk for Life pictures (From South Wales Argus)
ARE you doing the Walk for Life this weekend? There are nine walks taking place across Gwent in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation and we want to see your pictures of the big day, so wherever you are walking, send them in.
Click the link below to e-mail us, or send them via mobile on 80360 with the message ARGUS NEWS. To speak to a reporter, call newsdesk on 01633 777226.
ARE you doing the Walk for Life this weekend? There are nine walks taking place across Gwent in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation and we want to see your pictures of the big day, so wherever you are walking, send them in.
Click the link below to e-mail us, or send them via mobile on 80360 with the message ARGUS NEWS. To speak to a reporter, call newsdesk on 01633 777226.
Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies ,David Cameron and Sarra Elgan join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life 2009
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist David Davies, David Cameron and Sarra Elgan join Kidney Wales Foundation’s Walk for Life 2009
OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies took part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events today with Opposition Leader David Cameron and Sarra Elgan who was with husband Simon Easterby.
58 Walks took place across Wales.
The OLYMPIC silver medallist swimmer was among hundreds of people raising funds for children with kidney problems in Cardiff.
The Rt Hon. David Cameron chatted to the children from the Children's Kidney Unit.
The event, which started at the Welsh Institute of Sport, in Sophia Gardens included a lap of Cardiff Arms Park.
The 1.9 mile walk, sponsored by Specsavers,raised vital funds to help transform the lives of children with kidney disease and kidney failure. The money raised will also refurbish the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.
Davies, Kidney Wales Foundation’s newest supporter, who won silver in the 10K open swim at the Beijing Olympics, said: “The chance to help change the lives of children with kidney failure and walk around the Arms Park with hundreds of supporters was great fun and you did not need an Olympic medal to take part.”
The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 to fund a number of projects across Wales.
OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies took part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events today with Opposition Leader David Cameron and Sarra Elgan who was with husband Simon Easterby.
58 Walks took place across Wales.
The OLYMPIC silver medallist swimmer was among hundreds of people raising funds for children with kidney problems in Cardiff.
The Rt Hon. David Cameron chatted to the children from the Children's Kidney Unit.
The event, which started at the Welsh Institute of Sport, in Sophia Gardens included a lap of Cardiff Arms Park.
The 1.9 mile walk, sponsored by Specsavers,raised vital funds to help transform the lives of children with kidney disease and kidney failure. The money raised will also refurbish the children’s kidney unit at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff.
Davies, Kidney Wales Foundation’s newest supporter, who won silver in the 10K open swim at the Beijing Olympics, said: “The chance to help change the lives of children with kidney failure and walk around the Arms Park with hundreds of supporters was great fun and you did not need an Olympic medal to take part.”
The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 to fund a number of projects across Wales.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
News - You survive on dialysis but after a transplant you live, says Janet
WalesOnline - News - Health News - You survive on dialysis but after a transplant you live, says Janet
A hard-hitting television advert which depicts the life-or-death race hundreds of people in Wales face to find an organ donor was broadcast last week. Health Editor Madeleine Brindley spoke to two women about their experiences of organ donation as the Save Sian campaign was launched
JANET EVANS started making up for lost time on November 25, 2007 – the date she received her second kidney transplant after spending the best part of a decade on dialysis.
Her first transplant, which followed two-and-a-half years of dialysis failed within eight months, forcing her onto the gruelling regime of haemodialysis for a further five years.
The 51-year-old is conscious that she hasn’t climbed a mountain or done anything “spectacular” after undergoing the transplant, but the new kidney has allowed her to restart her life and focus on caring for her family.
A hard-hitting television advert which depicts the life-or-death race hundreds of people in Wales face to find an organ donor was broadcast last week. Health Editor Madeleine Brindley spoke to two women about their experiences of organ donation as the Save Sian campaign was launched
JANET EVANS started making up for lost time on November 25, 2007 – the date she received her second kidney transplant after spending the best part of a decade on dialysis.
Her first transplant, which followed two-and-a-half years of dialysis failed within eight months, forcing her onto the gruelling regime of haemodialysis for a further five years.
The 51-year-old is conscious that she hasn’t climbed a mountain or done anything “spectacular” after undergoing the transplant, but the new kidney has allowed her to restart her life and focus on caring for her family.
Sunday 15 March 2009
County residents urged to become organ donors (From Tivyside Advertiser)
County residents urged to become organ donors (From Tivyside Advertiser)
County residents urged to become organ donors
Local politicians have marked World Kidney Day by pledging their support to the Donate Wales Campaign. Adam Price MP and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM have given their support to the donation drive which has been funded to the tune of £70,000 by the One Wales Government. The campaign carries a hard hitting message designed to encourage more people to register as organ donors.
Adam Price MP said: "There are hundreds of people in Wales in need of a transparent. Many people in Carmarthenshire are suffering as a result of a lack of donors. World Kidney Day is the ideal time to think about registering to be a donor and giving the gift of life to someone."
Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM added: "Figures show 90% of people in Wales support organ donation yet only 27% are actually registered donors. The donate Wales campaign backed by the One Wales Government has had a very positive impact but more still needs to be done. We are urging people throughout the county to take that step and become a registered donor."
County residents urged to become organ donors
Local politicians have marked World Kidney Day by pledging their support to the Donate Wales Campaign. Adam Price MP and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM have given their support to the donation drive which has been funded to the tune of £70,000 by the One Wales Government. The campaign carries a hard hitting message designed to encourage more people to register as organ donors.
Adam Price MP said: "There are hundreds of people in Wales in need of a transparent. Many people in Carmarthenshire are suffering as a result of a lack of donors. World Kidney Day is the ideal time to think about registering to be a donor and giving the gift of life to someone."
Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM added: "Figures show 90% of people in Wales support organ donation yet only 27% are actually registered donors. The donate Wales campaign backed by the One Wales Government has had a very positive impact but more still needs to be done. We are urging people throughout the county to take that step and become a registered donor."
Friday 13 March 2009
Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)
Barry mum's fundraising appeal (From Barry And District News)
Barry mum's fundraising appeal and register as a donor plea
By Elinor Cross
A BARRY mum who allowed the donation of organs and tissue from her late son and husband, is gearing up for two events this month – to raise money for Kidney Wales.
After the death of their son Richard in 2004 in a skateboarding accident, Gaynor Taylor and her late husband John were told that he carried an organ donor card – which, they said, took the pressure off making the decision of whether or not to donate his organs.
Since then Gaynor has supported Kidney Wales through fundraising walks, as the charity played a big part in setting up the Organ Donor Card.
Gaynor said: "The important thing is that more people sign the register.
"We had no idea Richard carried a card, but it was a comfort for us because we were following his wishes after he died.
"It is a lot easier when a decision has been made. We were asked out of courtesy, but really he had made the decision. That is why we are raising money – it makes such a big difference."
Barry mum's fundraising appeal and register as a donor plea
By Elinor Cross
A BARRY mum who allowed the donation of organs and tissue from her late son and husband, is gearing up for two events this month – to raise money for Kidney Wales.
After the death of their son Richard in 2004 in a skateboarding accident, Gaynor Taylor and her late husband John were told that he carried an organ donor card – which, they said, took the pressure off making the decision of whether or not to donate his organs.
Since then Gaynor has supported Kidney Wales through fundraising walks, as the charity played a big part in setting up the Organ Donor Card.
Gaynor said: "The important thing is that more people sign the register.
"We had no idea Richard carried a card, but it was a comfort for us because we were following his wishes after he died.
"It is a lot easier when a decision has been made. We were asked out of courtesy, but really he had made the decision. That is why we are raising money – it makes such a big difference."
Thursday 12 March 2009
HARD-HITTING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL AIMS TO END ORGAN DONOR CRISIS IN WALES
HARD-HITTING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL AIMS TO END ORGAN DONOR CRISIS IN WALES
A hard-hitting television commercial graphically depicting a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant will be premiered on Welsh TV screens tonight (Thursday, March 12) urging viewers to join the Organ Donor Register.
The Save Sian Campaign has been launched on World Kidney Day as part of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One organ donation drive. It has been funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government as well as additional funding from Kidney Wales.
The advert, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its content, centres on a six-year-old girl waiting for a kidney transplant and highlights how, because of the desperate shortage of donors in Wales, Sian faces an agonising wait before getting that second chance a transplant would give her.
It urges viewers to Help Save Sian – played by a child actress – by joining the Register and explains how it takes just two minutes to sign-up. In the closing scene Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.” The advert will run (on ITV & S4C) until March 28.
Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “Currently, nearly 500 people in Wales are listed for a transplant – the majority waiting for a new kidney. Yet because of the organ donor crisis, statistically one person dies every 11 days waiting for a transplant in the principality – the equivalent of more than 150 people in the last five years.
“We are jointly funding this Campaign and are committed to improved services as well as encouraging more of us to join the Organ Donation Register. It is the responsibility of all of us to support the Campaign.”
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We are in the grips of an organ donor crisis in Wales and the urgency upon more people joining the Organ Donor Register has never been greater. In Scotland 32% of people have joined the Register, yet in Wales just 27% have made that life-saving pledge.
“This isn’t because people don’t want to help; we know 90% of people in Wales support organ donation. It is because not enough have acted on their good intentions and signed-up.
“The brutal reality is that people in Wales are dying as a result and unless more people take that all important vital step of signing-up and telling their loved ones about their wishes then more and more people will needlessly die waiting for a transplant.”
The Donate Wales campaign was launched by Kidney Wales last May and since then more than 34,000 people have joined the Organ Donor Register.
To join the Organ Donor Register call 0845 60 60 400, text GIVE to 64118 or visit donatewales.org.
Bydd hysbyseb deledu rymus sy’n rhoi darlun graffig o blentyn ifanc ar ddialysis yn aros am drawsblaniad aren yn cael ei dangos am y tro cyntaf ar sgriniau teledu yng Nghymru heno (dydd Iau, 12 Mawrth) yn annog gwylwyr i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau.
Lansiwyd Ymgyrch Achub Siân ar Ddiwrnod yr Aren fel rhan o ymgyrch Sefydliad Aren Cymru ar gyfer cyfrannu organau, Rhodd Cymru – Dywed wrth Rywun Agos. Mae wedi cael ei hariannu gan grant £70,000 gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn ogystal â chyllid ychwanegol gan Sefydliad Aren Cymru.
Mae’r hysbyseb, y gellir ond ei gweld ar y teledu ar ôl 7.30pm oherwydd ei chynnwys, yn canolbwyntio ar ferch chwech oed sy’n aros am drawsblaniad aren, ac mae’n amlygu’r modd y mae Siân, oherwydd prinder difrifol o roddwyr yng Nghymru, yn wynebu arhosiad ingol cyn cael yr ail gyfle hwnnw y byddai trawsblaniad yn ei roi iddi.
Mae’n annog gwylwyr i Helpu Achub Siân – sy’n cael ei hactio gan blentyn – trwy ymuno â’r Gofrestr ac yn esbonio’r ffaith mai dim ond dwy funud y mae’n cymryd i ymuno. Yn yr olygfa derfynol, mae Siân yn pledio â’r gwylwyr: “Peidiwch â gadael i mi farw.” Bydd yr hysbyseb yn cael ei dangos (ar ITV ac S4C) tan 28 Mawrth.
Dywedodd Edwina Hart, y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol: “Ar hyn o bryd, mae bron i 500 o bobl yng Nghymru wedi’u rhestru ar gyfer cael trawsblaniad – a’r mwyafrif yn aros am aren newydd. Ond eto, oherwydd yr argyfwng gyda rhoddwyr organau, yn ystadegol mae un person yn marw bob 11 diwrnod yn aros am drawsblaniad – mae hyn gyfwerth â thros 150 o bobl yn y pum mlynedd diwethaf.
“Rydym ni’n ariannu’r Ymgyrch hon ar y cyd ac wedi ymrwymo i wasanaethau gwell yn ogystal ag annog mwy ohonom ni i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau. Cyfrifoldeb pob un ohonom ni yw cefnogi’r Ymgyrch.”
Dywedodd Roy J. Thomas, Cadeirydd Sefydliad Aren Cymru: “Rydym ni’n wynebu argyfwng o ran rhoi organau yng Nghymru, a dydy’r brys i gael mwy o bobl i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau erioed wedi bod yn fwy. Yn yr Alban, mae 32% o bobl wedi ymuno â’r Gofrestr, ond eto yng Nghymru, dim ond 27% sydd wedi gwneud yr adduned honno i achub bywyd.
“Dydy hyn ddim oherwydd nad yw pobl eisiau helpu; rydym ni’n gwybod bod 90% o bobl yng Nghymru yn cefnogi rhoi organau. Mae hyn oherwydd nad oes digon o bobl wedi gweithredu eu bwriadau da ac ymuno.
“Y gwirionedd creulon yw bod pobl yng Nghymru yn marw o ganlyniad ac oni bai bod mwy o bobl yn cymryd y cam holl bwysig hwnnw o ymuno a dweud wrth y rhai maen nhw’n eu caru am eu dymuniadau, yna bydd mwy a mwy o bobl yn marw’n ddiangen wrth aros am drawsblaniad.”
For more information or case studies contact Noel Davies, Head of Development, Communications and Events, on 029 2034 3940.
Notes to editors
1. Currently 494 people in Wales are listed for a transplant. This breaksdown to: 443 waiting for a kidney; three for a pancreas; 18 for a kidney/pancreas; five for a heart; 14 for lungs; and 11 for a liver.
2. In the last five years 768 peoples’ lives in Wales have been transformed by the gift of a donor through an organ donor transplant. A further 584 have been given the gift of sight by either a cornea or sclera transplant.
3. Around 10,000 people in Wales are now suffering from some form of chronic kidney disease.
4. With Kidney Wales’ support, the Welsh Assembly Government is steering forward improvements to renal care in Wales including the new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.
5. A kidney transplant remains the best long-term hope for those suffering with kidney failure. The long-term survival of a kidney transplant continues to improve with 92% of kidney grafts from cadaveric donors and 95% of those from living donors still functioning one-year after transplant.
6. The Kidney Wales Foundation is one of Wales’ oldest and biggest charities. In the 1970s it launched the Kidney Donor Card and a decade established Lifeline Wales – the precursor to today’s Organ Donor Register.
A hard-hitting television commercial graphically depicting a young child on dialysis waiting for a kidney transplant will be premiered on Welsh TV screens tonight (Thursday, March 12) urging viewers to join the Organ Donor Register.
The Save Sian Campaign has been launched on World Kidney Day as part of the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Donate Wales – Tell a Loved One organ donation drive. It has been funded by a £70,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government as well as additional funding from Kidney Wales.
The advert, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its content, centres on a six-year-old girl waiting for a kidney transplant and highlights how, because of the desperate shortage of donors in Wales, Sian faces an agonising wait before getting that second chance a transplant would give her.
It urges viewers to Help Save Sian – played by a child actress – by joining the Register and explains how it takes just two minutes to sign-up. In the closing scene Sian pleads with viewers: “Don’t let me die.” The advert will run (on ITV & S4C) until March 28.
Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “Currently, nearly 500 people in Wales are listed for a transplant – the majority waiting for a new kidney. Yet because of the organ donor crisis, statistically one person dies every 11 days waiting for a transplant in the principality – the equivalent of more than 150 people in the last five years.
“We are jointly funding this Campaign and are committed to improved services as well as encouraging more of us to join the Organ Donation Register. It is the responsibility of all of us to support the Campaign.”
Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “We are in the grips of an organ donor crisis in Wales and the urgency upon more people joining the Organ Donor Register has never been greater. In Scotland 32% of people have joined the Register, yet in Wales just 27% have made that life-saving pledge.
“This isn’t because people don’t want to help; we know 90% of people in Wales support organ donation. It is because not enough have acted on their good intentions and signed-up.
“The brutal reality is that people in Wales are dying as a result and unless more people take that all important vital step of signing-up and telling their loved ones about their wishes then more and more people will needlessly die waiting for a transplant.”
The Donate Wales campaign was launched by Kidney Wales last May and since then more than 34,000 people have joined the Organ Donor Register.
To join the Organ Donor Register call 0845 60 60 400, text GIVE to 64118 or visit donatewales.org.
Bydd hysbyseb deledu rymus sy’n rhoi darlun graffig o blentyn ifanc ar ddialysis yn aros am drawsblaniad aren yn cael ei dangos am y tro cyntaf ar sgriniau teledu yng Nghymru heno (dydd Iau, 12 Mawrth) yn annog gwylwyr i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau.
Lansiwyd Ymgyrch Achub Siân ar Ddiwrnod yr Aren fel rhan o ymgyrch Sefydliad Aren Cymru ar gyfer cyfrannu organau, Rhodd Cymru – Dywed wrth Rywun Agos. Mae wedi cael ei hariannu gan grant £70,000 gan Lywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru yn ogystal â chyllid ychwanegol gan Sefydliad Aren Cymru.
Mae’r hysbyseb, y gellir ond ei gweld ar y teledu ar ôl 7.30pm oherwydd ei chynnwys, yn canolbwyntio ar ferch chwech oed sy’n aros am drawsblaniad aren, ac mae’n amlygu’r modd y mae Siân, oherwydd prinder difrifol o roddwyr yng Nghymru, yn wynebu arhosiad ingol cyn cael yr ail gyfle hwnnw y byddai trawsblaniad yn ei roi iddi.
Mae’n annog gwylwyr i Helpu Achub Siân – sy’n cael ei hactio gan blentyn – trwy ymuno â’r Gofrestr ac yn esbonio’r ffaith mai dim ond dwy funud y mae’n cymryd i ymuno. Yn yr olygfa derfynol, mae Siân yn pledio â’r gwylwyr: “Peidiwch â gadael i mi farw.” Bydd yr hysbyseb yn cael ei dangos (ar ITV ac S4C) tan 28 Mawrth.
Dywedodd Edwina Hart, y Gweinidog dros Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol: “Ar hyn o bryd, mae bron i 500 o bobl yng Nghymru wedi’u rhestru ar gyfer cael trawsblaniad – a’r mwyafrif yn aros am aren newydd. Ond eto, oherwydd yr argyfwng gyda rhoddwyr organau, yn ystadegol mae un person yn marw bob 11 diwrnod yn aros am drawsblaniad – mae hyn gyfwerth â thros 150 o bobl yn y pum mlynedd diwethaf.
“Rydym ni’n ariannu’r Ymgyrch hon ar y cyd ac wedi ymrwymo i wasanaethau gwell yn ogystal ag annog mwy ohonom ni i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau. Cyfrifoldeb pob un ohonom ni yw cefnogi’r Ymgyrch.”
Dywedodd Roy J. Thomas, Cadeirydd Sefydliad Aren Cymru: “Rydym ni’n wynebu argyfwng o ran rhoi organau yng Nghymru, a dydy’r brys i gael mwy o bobl i ymuno â’r Gofrestr Rhoddwyr Organau erioed wedi bod yn fwy. Yn yr Alban, mae 32% o bobl wedi ymuno â’r Gofrestr, ond eto yng Nghymru, dim ond 27% sydd wedi gwneud yr adduned honno i achub bywyd.
“Dydy hyn ddim oherwydd nad yw pobl eisiau helpu; rydym ni’n gwybod bod 90% o bobl yng Nghymru yn cefnogi rhoi organau. Mae hyn oherwydd nad oes digon o bobl wedi gweithredu eu bwriadau da ac ymuno.
“Y gwirionedd creulon yw bod pobl yng Nghymru yn marw o ganlyniad ac oni bai bod mwy o bobl yn cymryd y cam holl bwysig hwnnw o ymuno a dweud wrth y rhai maen nhw’n eu caru am eu dymuniadau, yna bydd mwy a mwy o bobl yn marw’n ddiangen wrth aros am drawsblaniad.”
For more information or case studies contact Noel Davies, Head of Development, Communications and Events, on 029 2034 3940.
Notes to editors
1. Currently 494 people in Wales are listed for a transplant. This breaksdown to: 443 waiting for a kidney; three for a pancreas; 18 for a kidney/pancreas; five for a heart; 14 for lungs; and 11 for a liver.
2. In the last five years 768 peoples’ lives in Wales have been transformed by the gift of a donor through an organ donor transplant. A further 584 have been given the gift of sight by either a cornea or sclera transplant.
3. Around 10,000 people in Wales are now suffering from some form of chronic kidney disease.
4. With Kidney Wales’ support, the Welsh Assembly Government is steering forward improvements to renal care in Wales including the new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.
5. A kidney transplant remains the best long-term hope for those suffering with kidney failure. The long-term survival of a kidney transplant continues to improve with 92% of kidney grafts from cadaveric donors and 95% of those from living donors still functioning one-year after transplant.
6. The Kidney Wales Foundation is one of Wales’ oldest and biggest charities. In the 1970s it launched the Kidney Donor Card and a decade established Lifeline Wales – the precursor to today’s Organ Donor Register.
WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales
WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales
Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales
Mar 12 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl will today plead with the Welsh public “not to let her die”.
A new hard-hitting television advert featuring Sian’s race against time is the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign to boost the numbers of organs available for transplant.
It has been developed as new figures show that, statistically, one person will die every 11 days in Wales while waiting for an organ transplant.
The 30-second advert, which will be broadcast throughout March, will show Sian hooked up to a haemodialysis machine in hospital.
At the end of the commercial, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its hard-hitting nature, Sian – who is played by an actress – says: “Don’t let me die”.
Shocking TV advert is launched to promote organ donation in Wales
Mar 12 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl will today plead with the Welsh public “not to let her die”.
A new hard-hitting television advert featuring Sian’s race against time is the latest phase of the Donate Wales campaign to boost the numbers of organs available for transplant.
It has been developed as new figures show that, statistically, one person will die every 11 days in Wales while waiting for an organ transplant.
The 30-second advert, which will be broadcast throughout March, will show Sian hooked up to a haemodialysis machine in hospital.
At the end of the commercial, which can only be screened after 7.30pm because of its hard-hitting nature, Sian – who is played by an actress – says: “Don’t let me die”.
Wednesday 11 March 2009
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life
WalesOnline - News - Health News - Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life
Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life
Mar 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies will take part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events later this month.
The swimmer will join thousands of other people taking part in the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Specsavers Cardiff Walk for Life, which will include a lap of the historic Arms Park.
The walk is one of 50 which will take place across Wales on March 29 to raise money to help children suffering from kidney failure and disease.
Olympic medallist joins Walk for Life
Mar 9 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
OLYMPIC silver medallist David Davies will take part in one of Wales’ biggest fundraising events later this month.
The swimmer will join thousands of other people taking part in the Kidney Wales Foundation’s Specsavers Cardiff Walk for Life, which will include a lap of the historic Arms Park.
The walk is one of 50 which will take place across Wales on March 29 to raise money to help children suffering from kidney failure and disease.
Thursday 5 March 2009
Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph)
Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit (From Western Telegraph)
Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit
9:53am Thursday 5th March 2009
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Welsh Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today (Thursday) visit a new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital and meet patients and staff benefiting from the new local facilities.
The unit opened in December last year with the ability to treat 12 patients. Since then a dozen more stations have opened and 24 patients can be accommodated .
Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to visit Withybush Hospital's new renal dialysis unit
9:53am Thursday 5th March 2009
Comments (0) Have your say »
Welsh Health Minister, Edwina Hart, will today (Thursday) visit a new renal dialysis unit at Withybush Hospital and meet patients and staff benefiting from the new local facilities.
The unit opened in December last year with the ability to treat 12 patients. Since then a dozen more stations have opened and 24 patients can be accommodated .
Monday 2 February 2009
Facebook | BBC NEWS | Health | Donors up but organs still short
Facebook | BBC NEWS | Health | Donors up but organs still short
The number of people on the organ donor register in the UK has hit a record 16 million, meeting a government target of doubling 2001's numbers a year early.
However, the gap between supply and demand for organs is still growing and 1,000 people are expected to die this year while waiting for a transplant.
The number of people on the organ donor register in the UK has hit a record 16 million, meeting a government target of doubling 2001's numbers a year early.
However, the gap between supply and demand for organs is still growing and 1,000 people are expected to die this year while waiting for a transplant.
Friday 2 January 2009
North Wales father’s transplant bid to give ailing daughter a better life - Daily Post North Wales
North Wales father’s transplant bid to give ailing daughter a better life - Daily Post North Wales
A TERMINALLY ill teenage girl is facing an agonising wait to see whether she will be able to receive her father’s kidney.
Jessica Law, 14, has undergone 15 major operations since she was born.
Her dad John is having tests to see whether he can donate one of his kidneys for a transplant, which will give her a much better quality of life.
Her mum Vona said: “In the meantime, Jessica is going on the waiting list for a kidney from a deceased donor as well, so I would just like to emphasise how important it is for people to carry donor cards.
“We’ve found out in the last few weeks that Jessica has deteriorated even further, and it may mean they have to start dialysis before she can have the transplant, because her blood levels are so unstable.
“The kidney side of it has to take precedence because she is so sick from that, but she’s still got a lot of medical problems that need addressing.
“Jessica has other complications that will require surgical intervention over the next few years which add to the complications of her condition.
“So far, she’s had 15 major operations, everything from a three-hour operation to a 17-hour operation, one which was done in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
A TERMINALLY ill teenage girl is facing an agonising wait to see whether she will be able to receive her father’s kidney.
Jessica Law, 14, has undergone 15 major operations since she was born.
Her dad John is having tests to see whether he can donate one of his kidneys for a transplant, which will give her a much better quality of life.
Her mum Vona said: “In the meantime, Jessica is going on the waiting list for a kidney from a deceased donor as well, so I would just like to emphasise how important it is for people to carry donor cards.
“We’ve found out in the last few weeks that Jessica has deteriorated even further, and it may mean they have to start dialysis before she can have the transplant, because her blood levels are so unstable.
“The kidney side of it has to take precedence because she is so sick from that, but she’s still got a lot of medical problems that need addressing.
“Jessica has other complications that will require surgical intervention over the next few years which add to the complications of her condition.
“So far, she’s had 15 major operations, everything from a three-hour operation to a 17-hour operation, one which was done in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
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