Issues in literature, on TV etc

Dear all

There has been some discussion recently about the use of a transplant storyline on Eastenders and many of us have been concerned that the issues are misrepresenting reality - something we should deplore. I have recently been reading something which demonstrates very powerfully the challenges and issues facing the family of a potential organ donor and I would like to share with those of you who enjoy a good read. It is called "Mend the Living" by Maylis de Kerangal and tells the story of the accidental death of a 19 year old and the outcomes for family, doctors and other heath professionals.

Mike

[LAJ123]

It should be remembered that Eastenders is a fiction and a soap drama. despite any guidance from organisations such as the British Liver Trust, they will always go for the most sensational story and use poetic license. Sadly there is not much anybody can do to persuade the writers and producers of shows such as Casualty, Holby, and the list goes on, to give a 'true' representation of liver or any other disease.

However, if it makes people take notice and take part in some serious discussion of organ donation then it does some good for those affected by and working in treatment and research of liver disease.

jim

[susieanna]

I would like to read this Mike.

[SugarRush]

That Holby storyline made me raise an eyebrow too, especially when he was up and about, suited and booted and the picture of health, mere days after receiving his transplant!