Media Release
Date: 21 July 2020
RUH thanked for supporting organ donations
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has been thanked for supporting vital organ transplants for 14 patients during 2019/20.
Organ and tissue transplantation is often the best or even the only treatment for patients suffering from disease or failure of a major organ and many patients each year benefit from a transplant.
Transplant operations do not take place at the RUH, but the hospital has a team of specialist nurses in organ donation who provide information, answer questions and discuss the wishes of the patient with their family.
In a letter to the Trust, Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on organ donation and transplantation across the UK.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your organisation for your on-going support throughout the year and especially during these unprecedented times."
RUH Medical Director Bernie Marden said: "The RUH has a good record when it comes to supporting organ donation, so this recognition is very welcome.
"Organ and tissue transplantation saves and enhances people's lives. While organ donation is a very personal decision, I can't stress enough how important it is and how often it can be the difference between life and death.
"Identifying potential donors and supporting their families through the process was just one of the many services that continued to be carried out by our hard-working staff during the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, despite all the challenges brought by the pandemic."
Find out more about organ donation by visiting www.organdonation.nhs.uk