Eye donations help Antrim hospital team improve lives

Last September two members of staff, Edward Harrington, Pathology Technician in Antrim Area Hospital and Anna Carton Cassells, Intensive Care Unit Staff Nurse in Causeway Hospital, completed an eye retrieval course.

Since then Edward has been able to carry out four eye retrievals in Antrim Area Hospital which have had a life-changing impact for more than 60 people.

Edward commented: “I’m glad to be part of the bigger organ donation team. Just one set of eyes can help 16 people in different ways with their sight so I would ask others to please carry a card or register as donors.

“It can make such an impact on other people’s lives.”

Previous to Anna and Eddie completing the course the Trust had to rely on the Royal Victoria and Altnagelvin Hospitals to perform eye retrievals.

Leona Laverty, Organ Donation Specialist Nurse, for Antrim Area Hospital commented: “Please discuss organ and tissue donation and know your loved one’s wishes.

“I would also like to thank those families who consented to donating these and other organs and tissues throughout the year, there is no doubt many people have benefitted as a direct result.”