A FILM by a Wythenshawe Hospital nurse is in the running for an award.

‘UHSM Organ Donation, Pass it On', has been shortlisted as a finalist in the annual ‘Organ Donation Through A Lens’ short film competition run by NHS Blood and Transplant.

Fiona Pollard, a specialist nurse in organ donation based at Wythenshawe Hospital, made the film alongside ‘Into Productions’ and it starred other clinicians and case studies.

This year’s competition asked for films urging people to have a conversation and pass on their organ donation wishes to their loved ones while encouraging people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Over 90% of families will agree to donation if a loved one is registered and has discussed their wishes. This drops to around 40% if donation wishes aren't known. This is why the conversation is so important and the theme of National Transplant Week (July 8-14) is Pass It On.

Shortlisted entrant, Fiona Pollard, commented, “It’s wonderful to be shortlisted as I wasn’t expecting it! We created the film to help educate people and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, particularly schools and colleges in the local area. My role as a Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation means the cause is incredibly close to my heart, I deal with recipients and donor families every day so know how important it is to pass on the message about your wishes.” The judging panel, including Jemma North, producer and director of ITV current affairs series Tonight, and Cat Lewis, Executive Producer on the BAFTA winning programme Me, My Dad & His Kidney, have chosen the winner who will be announced in the run up to this year’s National Transplant Week. The winner will receive £1,000 worth of camera equipment to help them on their way to a star studded film career.

Jemma North commented, "I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the judging process for this year’s competition and would like to congratulate Fiona for making it onto the shortlist. I'm sure she is waiting nervously to hear whether she has won, but all will be revealed soon! In the meantime, people can help her chances of winning the People's Favourite award by viewing her film online and encouraging others to do the same."

The title of People’s Favourite is still up for grabs. All the shortlisted films are available to watch on YouTube, www.YouTube.com/TransplantWeek, and the one with the most views by June 21 will take away this accolade.

The competition winner will be announced w/c 1st July 2013, along with the winners of selected ‘special’ awards and the People’s Favourite.’ It is hoped the films will help spread the word about organ donation and the importance of passing it on, as National Transplant Week approaches.

Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "I'm delighted that we've received another set of great films this year, this time really focussing on the donation conversation.

"They show how important it is, but also how easy it is, to tell your loved ones that you want to be an organ donor. We hope they will inspire more people to donate and talk to their family and friends about their decision.

"We want everyone to take pride in supporting organ donation; a crucial step is having that conversation with your loved ones."

For further information about National Transplant Week and the ‘Organ Donation Through A Lens’ competition, go to http://www.transplantweek.co.uk/.