THE NHS is urging people to sign up as organ donors, after new figures show that 27 people in the Berkshire area have died while waiting for a transplant in the last five years.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging residents to tell their families that they want to save lives through organ donations. Although more and more people are supporting donating their loved one's organs, there is still an urgent need for more people to support donation.

Last year, 66 people in Berkshire had their lives saved through organ donations. However, there are around 6,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant across the UK, and nationally three people die each day in need of an organ.

Anthony Clarkson, Interim director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "It’s tragic that so many people from Berkshire have died waiting for a transplant – what is shocking is that many of those lives could have been saved, had more families agreed to donate organs.

"We all know that organ donation legislation will change to a deemed consent system in England and Scotland in future years but the harsh fact is people are dying right now waiting for an organ and it will still be important for people to know your decision.

"Please, let your family know your decision and ask them if they want to be donors. Don’t leave your family guessing what you would have wanted to happen. We know that many families feel enormous pride and comfort at knowing that their relative went on to save lives through the gift of organ donation."

You can register for organ donation at: www.organdonation.nhs.uk.