Nirj Deva, Member of the European Parliament for South East England has lent his support to the National Health Service Organ Donor Register program, designed to increase the ease of which people are able to donate organs in the event of their death.

Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, small bowel, corneas, heart valves and bone can all be transplanted and skin can be used to treat patients with severe burns. To illustrate the success of the scheme, the MEP pointed at figures which showed that since April 1st 2003, more than 400 have donated organs with 1200 being granted the gift of sight.

Speaking from his office in Brussels the MEP said:

“Today more than 5,500 people in the UK are waiting for an organ transplant that could save or dramatically improve their life, whilst last year more than four hundred people passed away whilst awaiting treatment.

“More than ten million people across the country have signed up to this extremely worthwhile scheme. If you wish to do the same and have the chance of making a real difference to someone’s life please call the National Organ Donor Line on 0845 6060400 or register online at www.uktransplant.org.uk”