The consultation can be found here: https://engage.dh.gov.uk/organdonation
The organ donation consultation, which launched in December is set to close next week. Figures from NHS Blood and Transplant show that in the past year around 1,100 families in the UK decided not to allow organ donation because they were unsure, or did not know whether their relatives would have wanted to donate an organ or not.
In October of last year, the Prime Minister announced that the Government will change to an 'opt-out' system in a bid to save the lives of 6,500 people currently waiting for a transplant, shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation.
Currently, 80 percent of people say they would be willing to donate their organs but only 36 percent register to become an organ donor. It is hoped that changing the system to an opt-out model of consent will mean more viable organs become available for use on the NHS, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Over the next three months, the Government is asking for comments on the defining issues of the new system:
- How much say should families have in their deceased relatives decision to donate their organs?
- When would exemptions to 'opt-out' be needed, and what safeguards will be necessary?
- How might a new system affect certain groups depending on age, disability, race or faith?
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:
"Every day, three people die for want of a transplant, which is why our historic plans to transform the way organ donation works are so important. We want as many people as possible to have their say as we shape the new opt-out process.
"But as well as changing the law, we also need to change the conversation - it can be difficult subject to broach, but overcoming this fatal reluctance to talk openly about our wishes is key to saving many more lives in the future."
Only about half of adults on the current organ register say they have discussed their wishes with a relative, with people from black backgrounds among the least likely to have had an open conversation.
This is significant as only about six percent of deceased donors are black or asian, meaning that these patients are waiting six months longer for a suitable kidney transplant than white patients.
Kidney Care UK Policy Director Fiona Loud said: "With eight out of ten people on the transplant list hoping for a kidney and at least one person dying every day while waiting, this consultation - the first of its kind in England - is a unique chance to change this. Whatever your views are on organ donation, please share them; and it's a good time to make sure your loved ones know how you feel too because currently we have one of the lowest rates of consent to donation in Europe.
"We have an opportunity to hear everyone's ideas on improving consent and to reduce the number of people dying needlessly whilst waiting for a transplant so we urge everyone to take part, make your views known, and help shape the future of organ donation and transplantation in England".
The consultation can be found here: https://engage.dh.gov.uk/organdonation
Organ donation bill passes
On Friday 23 February MPs have gave their backing to a bill that would introduce an opt-out system for organ donation. This bill was put in place by Geoffrey Robinson MP (right) and should the Government move forward with a new organ donation system this could be the basis of the law. The Government has stated that it will 'wholeheartedly' support the Bill. Find out more
Organ donation moves forward
MPs have given their backing to a bill that would introduce an opt-out system for organ donation