Organ Donations On Rise In West Sussex - As Horace Creates NHS Mural

Saturday, 14 November 2020 06:00

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

Collaboration, dedication and the generosity of our population are said to be the reasons for a rise in organ donations at West Sussex Hospitals in the last three months.

Angela Fisher, the chair of the trust’s organ donation committee, said:

“By October 2020, 10 patients became organ donors and gave the gift of life to others. This is significantly more than the same time last year, and is an outstanding achievement given that one person has the potential to donate up to eight life-saving organs. This is significantly more than the same time last year, and is an outstanding achievement."

Dr Luke Hodgson, clinical lead for organ donation (CLOD) at Worthing Hospital, said:

“Excellent communication between Worthing and St Richard’s hospitals, particularly between ITU and ED colleagues, has been instrumental to this success. Together, with Dr Andrew Hetreed, CLOD at St Richard’s, we have been running joint education sessions for staff to keep updated on best practice in organ donation, and other developments in the field. This has included increasing awareness of the law change to an ‘Opt Out’ choice.”

Tracey Thomas, the specialist nurse for organ donation (SNOD), has also had a huge impact on the team, as Angela describes:

“Tracey not only ensures that patients and families are supported and cared for throughout the pathway, but also staff mental health. Her caring and supportive nature is an incredibly important presence for families and staff.”

New ‘Angel rainbow’ artwork In connection with NHS Blood and Transplant, the organ donation committee recently commissioned a mural entitled ‘angel rainbow’ by the Worthing-based graffiti artist Horace.

The mural (pictured above) is displayed by the day clinic entrance at St Richard’s hospital. Horace recently donated another NHS-inspired mural to Worthing Hospital, displayed in the front entrance, which has proved enormously popular with visitors and staff alike.

Angela Fisher, pictured above, said:

“This artwork is in recognition of the achievements of NHS ITU and clinical teams, especially our ITU nurses who work tirelessly supporting patients and their families. It celebrates all the walking angels that inhabit our hospitals.”