Julia

Julia talks about how they wished they had talked with their dad about organ donation.

I wish I had talked with my Husband about organ donation before, as the uncertainty was challenging. Suddenly finding myself in this position while coping with bereavement was tough. They never recorded a decision on the organ donor register, and we never talked about it either, which left us wondering what he would have chosen. I have always been supportive or organ donation in principle, but I had never really given it much thought before.

The new opt-out system was explained to us by the nurses. This made it easier to know that we are all presumed donors now, and also that we did not have to think about his decision. We helped the nurses by giving information about his medications and lifestyle, this was a tough conversation, but we were reassured we were honouring his decision and that we were saving the lives of others. We wish we had more open conversation about organ donation when they were alive as it meant so much to us at the time. We will never forget what we were able to support him to do.