NHSBT's position
We welcome any debate that raises the value and importance of transplantation and increases the general public’s knowledge of the importance of organ and tissue donation.
Transplant services in the UK are renowned for the honest, open and transparent manner in which they operate. This is due, in part, to the fact that consent has always been an integral part of the process of donating organs for transplant. In turn, society, recipients and their families acknowledge the wonderful gift of life that donors contribute. During 2006-07 the generosity of donors led to a 10% increase in the number of solid organ transplants to an all-time high of 3,087. Since 2002, around a million people have joined the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) every year, pledging to pass on the gift of life.
Our current experience in the UK shows that up to 90% of people support organ donation with more than 15 million people, or 25%, having joined the ODR. An ongoing potential donor audit of deaths in intensive care units shows that six out of ten families approached about organ donation will give their agreement or authorisation for donation. It makes it easier for them if they know the donor has registered their wish to donate on the ODR.
The Human Tissue Acts introduced in 2006 reinforce the importance of giving consent for donation. Many people have found it difficult to accept that relatives could overturn any wish they may have registered or expressed during their lifetime but the new law makes it explicit that it is the wishes of the deceased individual that should prevail. .
The important issue is that people discuss their desire to donate organs so that close family members and friends are aware of their wishes. As much as possible should be done to persuade people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register by calling 0300 123 23 23 or via
www.organdonation.nhs.uk
NHSBT is neither against nor in favour of a change to presumed consent legislation. Now that the Organ Donation Taskforce review has been delivered, we will continue to promote the need for more voluntary registrations on the Organ Donor Register. We will work within whatever legislative framework is introduced in any of the four health administrations in the United Kingdom. In the meantime, we work in earnest towards supporting the implementation of the 14 recommendations contained in the Taskforce’s first report which are seen as critical prerequisites for improving organ donation in the UK.
Updated November 2008