The James Paget University Hospital is proudly supporting Organ Donation Week and chief executive Christine Allen and director of nursing Julia Hunt today took time out to support specialist nurses who are encouraging more people to talk about the subject.

During this week the nurses are encouraging staff, patients and the public to discuss organ donation with their relatives and friends to ensure they understand their loved one's wishes.

Today a stand was set up in the James Paget's main reception to give people the opportunity to talk to specialist nurses Marika Valiaho and Natalie Ashley, to pick up some goodies and leaflets and sign up to the organ donation register.

While waiting for their transplant at a specialist centre, many patients receive their day-to-day healthcare, such as renal dialysis, at the James Paget and staff at the hospital work closely with patients and their families, including those awaiting a transplant and those considering whether to donate organs.

Director of Nursing Julia Hunt said 'Our staff are trained to sensitively support families through difficult times and to have these conversations, but when it comes to organ donation it's about being clear about your wishes and sharing this with your family and friends.

'We work closely with the regional organ donation team and are well supported by specialist nurses such as Marika and Natalie.'

Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Natalie Ashley, who is based at JPUH, NNUH and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn said: 'This week especially we're encouraging everyone to have a chat with loved ones to understand their wishes about organ donation.

'That chat might be the next time you sit down for a meal, when you are shopping or working, or when you are just driving in the car. If you want to be a donor, your family's support is still needed for donation to go ahead, even if you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register.'

Families who agree to donate say it helps with their grief and that they feel enormous sense of pride at knowing their relative gave others the chance of a new beginning.

Signing on to the register only takes a few minutes and you could save someone's life.

For more information about NHS Blood and Transplant visit their website: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk .