19/09/2025
Schools Urged To Use New Organ Donation Resources
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all Key Stage 3 and 4 teachers to use new, free educational resources on organ donation, with a focus on this year's Organ Donation Week which runs from Monday, 22 September to Sunday, 28 September.
Developed by a working group of teachers in association with NHS Blood and Transplant, the resources are designed to be flexible and require minimal planning. The materials provide an introduction to organ donation and transplantation, an explanation of how the system works, and information on the change to an opt-out law in Northern Ireland in June 2023. The content, which includes personal stories from donors, recipients, and those awaiting a transplant, aims to empower young people to make informed decisions and feel confident discussing organ donation with their families and peers.
Speaking at the launch, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Education Minister Paul Givan both praised the initiative. They commended the project's focus on bridging education and health to help save and transform lives. Teacher Ciara Hunter, a member of the working group whose sister was an organ donor, emphasised that the resources were created to inform and enable students to have important conversations with family members.
Developed by a working group of teachers in association with NHS Blood and Transplant, the resources are designed to be flexible and require minimal planning. The materials provide an introduction to organ donation and transplantation, an explanation of how the system works, and information on the change to an opt-out law in Northern Ireland in June 2023. The content, which includes personal stories from donors, recipients, and those awaiting a transplant, aims to empower young people to make informed decisions and feel confident discussing organ donation with their families and peers.
Speaking at the launch, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Education Minister Paul Givan both praised the initiative. They commended the project's focus on bridging education and health to help save and transform lives. Teacher Ciara Hunter, a member of the working group whose sister was an organ donor, emphasised that the resources were created to inform and enable students to have important conversations with family members.
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11 April 2013
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
19 September 2023
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
09 July 2015
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
25 July 2001
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
21 September 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
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