Organ Donation Week 2025: Make Your Decision Known

Posted by: philippa - Posted on:

Dates: Monday 22 – Sunday 28 September 2025

This Organ Donation Week, we’re encouraging our Uplands Medical Practice community to do one simple, life-saving thing: confirm your organ donation decision and share it with your loved ones.

Why now? The UK transplant waiting list is at a record high, with over 8,000 people actively waiting for a life-saving transplant, and almost 12,000 in total when those temporarily suspended are included. Every confirmed decision helps turn potential donors into real donations when it matters most. NHS Organ Donation

Three quick actions you can take today

  1. Record your decision
    Add or update your choice (to donate or not to donate) on the NHS Organ Donor Register or in the NHS App so your wishes are easy to find. NHS Organ Donation
  2. Tell your family
    Even with England’s opt-out law, families are still consulted. A two-minute conversation now can make an enormous difference later. NHS Organ Donation
  3. Share the message
    Let friends know it’s Organ Donation Week (22–28 September 2025) and encourage them to do the same. NHS Organ Donation

Why it matters

  • The need is growing: NHS Blood and Transplant reports fewer deceased donors and a small fall in transplants last year—meaning longer waits for patients. NHS Organ Donation
  • Your decision helps families: When your wishes are known and recorded, families are far more likely to support donation at a difficult time. NHS Organ Donation

Common questions we hear

“Aren’t we all donors automatically now?”
England has an opt-out system, but your family is still asked. If they know your wishes, they’re more likely to say yes. Please record your decision and tell them. NHS Organ Donation

“Can I change my mind later?”
Yes. You can update your choice on the NHS Organ Donor Register or in the NHS App at any time. NHS Organ Donation

“Does age or health rule me out?”
Not necessarily. Medical teams assess each case individually. Don’t self-exclude—record your decision and let clinicians decide at the time. NHS Organ Donation

How we can help at Uplands

  • Not sure what to do? Speak to our reception team and we’ll point you to reliable NHS guidance.
  • Need help with the NHS App? Pop in and we’ll show you how to find and update your organ donation preferences.

Let’s make Organ Donation Week 2025 the moment we have the conversation—and help save more lives here in Bury and across the UK.

  • Call: (0161) 766 8221
  • Visit: The Uplands Medical Practice, Bury New Road, Whitefield, M45 8GH
  • NHS App: Open the app → Your health → Organ donation (update preferences). NHS Organ Donation