NHS Lothian’s ‘Sign up to save a life’ organ donation campaign has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.
The campaign, which is a drive to boost the number of people on the organ donor register, has been shortlisted for Best Campaign and Best Online Communication in the Institute of Internal Communication’s (IoIC) Scotland Awards.
NHS Lothian teamed up with staff, scores of big businesses and organisations, as well as patients to run the ‘Sign up to save a life’ campaign.
It is designed to encourage people living in Lothian to join the national organ and tissue register.
Says a spokesperson: “Lothian already has one of the highest numbers of people on the register in Scotland, but NHS Lothian wants to increase the number from 42 per cent to at least 50 per cent of the population.
“NHS Lothian asked the heads of household name businesses, organisations, colleges and universities to help increase the number by encouraging their staff to learn more about organ donation.”
A dedicated website, www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/signuptosavealife, text number, and real-life short films have been created to make it as easy as possible for organisations to join in.
And for potential donors on the go, it couldn’t be simpler – they can join up by texting ‘fifty’ on their mobile phone to number 61611.
The ‘Sign up to save a life’ campaign is the only finalist in the Best Campaign category.
Jenifer Stirton, director of Communications, NHS Lothian, said: “We launched our ‘Sign up to save a life’ campaign because we wanted to encourage more people in Lothian to join the organ donor register, and so far we’ve had really positive feedback on the campaign.
“We need more people to join the register because they really can help save lives. It doesn’t take long, but it could make the world of difference.”
The awards ceremony will be held on Friday 4 March 2011 at The George Hotel in Edinburgh, and will be hosted by BBC Scotland newsreader Catriona Shearer.
NHS Lothian’s Corporate Communications team are shortlisted in seven categories for the IoIC Awards.
Ends
Notes for editors:
- For a full list of finalists in all categories, visit http://www.ioic.org.uk/content/latest-news/1893-ioic-scotland-awards-2010-shortlist-announced-.html
Issued:
Aileen MacArthur
Acting communications manager
0131 465 5646
Aileen.macarthur@nhs.net
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