The Operating Theatre Journal - Journal - Page 15
Puzzle Number 02
“You can’t be sitting here with one hand out saying, ‘Oh yes, I’m quite
happy to take from somebody else if anything happens to me,’ but then
not be willing to donate for somebody else. So, if you or your family
would be quite happy to take from them, then what about somebody
else who is in need of that organ.”
1
3
2
As of March 31, 2023, there were 2,237 people from ethnic minority
backgrounds on the active organ transplant list, up from 1,967 in March
2022 – the majority waiting for a kidney. This increase is primarily
attributed to the reactivation of non-urgent patients on the kidney and
liver transplant lists, which were suspended during the peak of the
pandemic. 2,014 of those Black and Asian patients are currently waiting
for a kidney, accounting for 37% of the kidney waiting list.
4
Kok-Tee Khaw, 67, was a former consultant
radiologist from Malaysia who lived in London with
her husband. She became an organ and tissue
donor when she sadly had an accident and suffered
unsurvivable injuries. Her husband, Peter Taylor,
a retired surgeon from Chiswick, said:
“We were staying with family last November when Kok-Tee fell down
the stairs. It was a terrible shock for me and her family, but it was
quick, and she didn’t suffer, which is what she would have wanted.
Winnie Andango, Lead nurse for Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion for Organ Donation at NHS Blood and
Transplant, says:
“There remains an urgent need for people of Black and Asian heritage
to discuss
6 and share their support for organ donation. Currently over
three-quarters of people waiting for a transplant in the UK are waiting
for a kidney. These patients can be saved by those who donate after
death or by a living donor. With the number of people waiting for
kidneys continuing to rise, the chances of 昀椀nding a suitable donor are
higher when a potential donor is of the same ethnicity. Families are
much more likely to support donation if they know it is what their
loved one wanted. Please join the NHS Organ Donor Register and speak
with your family today.”
Everyone who supports organ donation can con昀椀rm their decision on
the NHS Organ Donor Register. It is a simple action which only takes two
minutes; but can ultimately save lives.
7
Puzzle Number 02
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Across
3. perform this if systolic BP drops below 50mmHg
5. colour of adipose tissue
6. a common bronchodilator
7. avoid inhaling this, carcinogenic and carries viruses, allegedly (9,5)
“When they brought in the law
change, I remember Kok-Tee
saying that she wanted to con昀椀rm
her support for donation, and she
signed us both up. When we were
at the hospital deciding what to
do, I said Kok-Tee wanted to give
her organs. Her family weren’t
sure, but the nurse said she was
on the NHS Organ Donor Register
and that made it very simple and
straightforward. It was Kok-Tee’s
decision, so we had to honour
that. It shows the importance
of putting your name on the
register.”
To 昀椀nd out more, and con昀椀rm
your support for organ donation,
visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk,
call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS
app.
Kok-Tee Khaw
When responding to articles please quote ‘OTJ’
Down
1. __________ manoeuvre, for laryngospasm
2. when this is lost, the epidural space is found
3. an excess release of this causes muscle rigidity in Malignant
Hyperthermia
4. the ‘T’ in CT. The polo mint machine.
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Resus Tree Ltd: Jamie Macpherson 2023
Issue 398
November
in
2023
TM
15
