AN OPT-OUT system for organ donation in Scotland will save lives, MSP Rona Mackay has said.
The Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP has welcomed the SNP Government’s decision to introduce legislation for a soft opt-out system for organ and tissue donation.
Following a consultation, 82 per cent of respondents backed plans for a soft opt-out in Scotland.
The SNP government will introduce legislation to the parliament within the term.
Ms Mackay said: “I am sure constituents waiting on a transplant, or know someone going through this plight, will be delighted at this development from the SNP government.
“NHS Scotland has made a lot of progress with organ and tissue donation but there needs to be some fundamental changes help the health service save more lives.
“We should always keep in mind the tragic circumstances that give rise to organ donation and forever appreciate the selfless acts of donors and their families that enable others to live. Organ and tissue donation saves lives and is one of the greatest gifts a person can give.”
ENDS
NOTES
https://news.gov.scot/news/increasing-organ-and-tissue-donation
Background
The consultation ran from 7 December 2016 to 14 March 2017.
Anyone wishing to join the Organ Donor Register can do so by visiting the Organ Donation Scotland website. This website can also be used by those who wish to update their registration details or to register their wish not to be a donor.
The Donation and Transplantation Plan, 2013-2020 has been the catalyst for meaningful improvement in organ donation in Scotland with:
146% increase (54-133 between 2007/8 and 2016/17) in the number of people who donated organs after their death.
In 2016/17, Scotland had the highest rate of donors per million of population of any UK country – currently 25.5 donors pmp.
45% of the Scottish population have joined the organ donor register (over 116,000 in 2016).