Blood pressure checks in town

Blood pressure and organ donation in Arndale Centre, Eastbourne SUS-160427-124920001

The Rotary Club of Eastbourne teamed up with doctors and nurses to raise awareness of organ donation and blood pressure checks in the Arndale Centre.

The team took 135 blood pressures during the day and there were ten cases where referrals to GPs were recommended and two of these were considered to be urgent. Some were not aware of their problem and action will have prompted them seek help and avoid strokes.

The organ donor team from Eastbourne DGH had a great day meeting the public and 13 people signed up for the Organ Donor Register.

Just as important were the people they met who took away forms to complete at home after discussion with their family.

The Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Janet Coles joined them on the day along with Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell. Both had their blood pressures taken at the event.

Dr Tuhin Goswami, clinical lead for organ donation said, “In the UK, one in three people die every day, while waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. It doesn’t have to be this way with your help. The Arndale helped to encourage people to sign up to the donor register but more importantly, to tell their next of kin of their wishes. Telling your nearest and dearest is important so they fully understand and honour your wishes regarding organ and tissue donation. It’s true that in the UK, two out of five (40 per cent) families refuse organ donation even if their loved one has signed and consented to this on the organ donor register.

“Each and every organ donor can give the gift of life and save up to nine people and can help many more through tissue donation such as skin, corneas and tendons.

“Because of this, we want to do all we can to ensure all local people who want to donate are able to by making sure they sign up and talk about their wishes with their families.”

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