Opt-out organ donation change ‘will save lives’

A DOUBLE lung transplant patient from Omagh believes it is a ‘no-brainer’ that the opt-out organ donation system should be introduced here.

Health Minister Robin Swann launched a consultation on Friday seeking the views of the public on how to introduce a soft opt-out organ donation system for the North.

Currently, donation will only ever proceed if a person has given their consent for organ donation, usually by signing on to the NHS Organ Donor Register and/or speaking to their family. In the absence of this, the family is asked to make a decision on behalf of the patient.

Under the proposed opt-out legislation, it is considered that everyone would be willing to donate their organs unless they have formally opted out.

Denis Pritchard from the Dryarch Road outside Omagh underwent a life-saving double lung transplant at Freeman’s Hospital in Newcastle in 2014.

He was on the transplant list for around four months and after two cruel false alarms, it was third time lucky as he finally received the life-saving donation.

Denis said, “It is a no-brainer and I can’t understand why this isn’t already in place. It would make a massive difference and save so many lives.

“I was on the list for four months and it would impact your whole life and your family. Being on the waiting list is very stressful and unfortunately people die because they do not get the organs in time.”

‘NOT REPRESENTATIVE’
Speaking at the launch of the consultation, the Health Minister said,“Whilst over 80 per-cent of the population supports organ donation, only per-cent have recorded this decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.This means that the NHS Organ Donor Register is not truly representative of Northern Ireland’s population’s willingness to donate their organs and tissue after their death.

“On Organ Donation Discussion Day, I would urge everyone to have the conversation about donation with their families and friends and let your loved ones know how you feel about this vitally important issue.

“I would also encourage responses to the consultation to inform the proposed change in legislation.”

The consultation will run for ten weeks, closing on February 19, 2021. Everyone is encouraged to read about the consultation and submit a response at www.health-ni.gov.uk/consultations/organ-donation.