On this episode, Rewards and Challenges: Working Within an Organ Transplant Team:

We speak to ex-Staffordshire University student Rob Edge. Rob trained in Operating Department Practice (ODP) qualifying in 2021. Rob now works as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) with the National Organ Retrieval Service..

Rob found himself with a life changing opportunity to join National Organ Retrieval Service (NORS) Oxford Team. Rob shares his student experiences; career progression and what life is like working within such an amazing team! Rob is also an advocate and campaigner for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. So within this discussion, we also touch on what Rob does to keep himself mentally healthy, and the importance of reaching out when we need support.

“In 2022, NHS Blood and Transplant (2022) reported the total number of patients whose lives were potentially saved or improved by an organ transplant increased by 27% [from previous years] to 4,324. This is a wonderful reminder of the gift of life donors are giving to their fellow humans”.

Web links from the show

If you would like to know more about organ donation, or how to become an organ donor, click the link below!

Everything you need to know about being an organ donor

To get an overview on organ donation process, watch this short video!

YouTube: Organ Donation in 30 seconds


For mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS Mental Health Services: Where to get help

Find Rob on twitter

@RobEdge16

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing studentwellbeing@staffs.ac.uk.

Upcoming podcasts

Student Perspectives Mini-Series; Celebrating cultural diversity at Staffordshire University Health Science and Wellbeing: Being a single parent and a student.

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Contact The Link podcast team: Twitter: @benw_h email: ben.woodrow-hirst@staffs.ac.uk Samuel O’Brian: Samuel.Obrian@staffs.ac.uk or Joe Natalello joseph.natalello@staffs.ac.uk


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced & Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways