OUR region can be proud of the fact that the rate of organ donation is higher than anywhere else in the country.

It shows an understanding of the issues surrounding transplant operations.

There is, however, an urgent need to increase the number of potential donors.

About one-in-five people in the North-East and North Yorkshire are on the donor register. The inadequacy of that percentage is demonstrated by the fact that 291 patients in our region are waiting for new organs in life-saving or life-enhancing surgery.

Because of the nature of the 'opt-in' procedures, the number on the register does not equate to the number prepared to have their organs used in transplant operations.

At a time of year when resolutions are made, those not on the register, but willing to be a donor, should resolve to remedy the situation.

People are living longer and transplant surgery is more commonplace. Demographics and medical advances are combining to ensure a growing number of operations and a growing waiting list of sick people waiting for operations.

There are sound reasons for retaining the existing 'opt-in' register. While it may not be the most efficient method of finding potential donors, it is the least intrusive.

However, unless there is a surge in the numbers joining the register, the shortage of organs will become more and more acute.

A register which assumes everyone is willing to be a donor, unless they 'opt-out', will undoubtedly save lives, but may prove too controversial to introduce.