It’s not everyday you see giant pictures of internal organs on display. But you can see them at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital from now on in the form of three giant murals, aimed at inspiring people to sign up to the organ donor register.

The artwork on the huge colourful posters features caricatures of different organs and takes into account many religious beliefs and cultures.

Each design features QR codes, which people can scan from their mobile phones to sign-up to the organ donor register.

Commenting on the murals, the East and North Herts NHS Trust’s clinical lead for organ donation, Dr Jon Bramall, said: “In the last year, 14 families have bravely supported their loved ones, who have passed away at the Lister, in donating their organs. This has meant that 37 people have received a life-saving transplant, turning an end for one family into a new beginning for another.

“Like the rest of the UK, there is a shortage of donors in Hertfordshire, particularly from people from minority ethnic backgrounds – so we’re hoping the murals will help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation for everyone who sees them.”

The murals took one and a half years to create but just two days to install.

They are located by the pharmacy in Lister’s main entrance corridor, in outpatients yellow zone and in the lift areas on each floor of the hospital tower block.

In Hertfordshire, there are more than 160 people who are in need of an organ transplant. Since 2012, sadly 49 individuals have died without getting the transplant they needed.

Fiona Loud, policy director for the British Kidney Patient Association and vice chair of Lister Area Kidney Patients Association, said: “Organ donation is the greatest gift one person can give to another, often at a time of much sadness, which is why recognition for such selfless contributions is so important.

“This wonderful mural near the entrance to the hospital is a memorial, a tribute and a reminder for those who pass through. I am delighted to be able to launch it on World Kidney Day as a sign of hope and admiration for all.”

The project was funded jointly by the NHS trust’s organ donor committee and LAKPA.

The murals were created by Hithin-based designers Sarah Bellisario and Yoshie Allan, collectively known as Sas and Yosh.

Reflecting on their work, Sarah said: “We have had an amazing time creating the artwork. We used bright patterns and colours, drawing on a variety of different cultures and beliefs to create designs that will appeal to people from all walks of life.

“We wanted to dispel any myths people may have about organ donation – you can be of any age, race or religion. Our hope is that people will see themselves in the characters we’ve created and feel inspired to sign up to the organ donor register.”

To register yourself visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/register-your-details.