Local GPs are urging residents to sign the organ donor register to mark National Transplant Week, which starts today.

The NHS is encouraging people of all backgrounds to consider donating their organs to those in need when they die.

Blood type plays an important part in organ donation, as it is more likely that an organ match will be made if the patient and the donor are of the same ethnicity.

Dr Zuhair Zarifa, Chair of NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group and a local GP, emphasised the importance of speaking to family and friends about organ donation.

A person can donate their heart and heart valves, lungs, two kidneys, pancreas, liver and small bowel as well as the cornea of the eye, bone, skin, tendons and cartilage. Or donors can choose which specific organs and tissues they would like to donate.

For more information call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

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