Change the law for Max
Max Johnson is nine and needs a new heart. As Scotland joins Wales in altering the rules on organ donation, we call for the same in England... to give him and thousands of others a far, far greater chance of life
THE Mirror’s campaign for a law change to boost organ donations and save lives has received a massive lift.
Scotland has decided to follow Wales and bring in an opt-out system, meaning more organs available for transplant.
This adds pressure to our call for this law to be introduced to England and give the hope of life to 6,335 desperately ill people – including 182 children – on the transplant waiting list.
The mother of young heart patient Max Johnson said Scotland’s decision had given her hope. And she joined the Mirror and top doctors today in calling for Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and PM Theresa May to ensure England and Northern Ireland follow.
She said: “When I saw what Scotland was doing, I posted [online], ‘What about England?’ Wales has the opt-out system.
“Scotland is leading the way. I hope we can put pressure on the Government. We want England as well now.”
This week we told how nine-year-old Max was on a heart transplant waiting list due to a life-threatening condition.
His story has since inspired more than 1,000 people to join the donor register.
The Mirror’s Change the Law for Life campaign has been calling for patients like Max to be given more chance of a transplant with an opt-out organ donor
system. It means adults are assumed to have consented to donate after death, giving others more chance of a transplant.
Scottish Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said the government brought forward legislation for this system after a consultation found 82% of people in favour.
It would be a “soft” opt-out, meaning organs cannot be removed without the support of loved ones.
Ms Campbell said: “I can confirm we intend to bring forward legislation to introduce a soft opt-out system. This will build on the significant improvements already made as a result of the donation and transplantation plan for Scotland.
“That progress is testament to the great many people who work tirelessly to facilitate organ and tissue donation and transplantation.” Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, welcomed what he called a “landmark moment”.
He said: “It’s now time for England and Northern Ireland to follow the example of Scotland and Wales, and stop families going through the agonising pain of losing a loved one while they wait for a donor.”
Fiona Loud, policy director of Kidney Care, also joined the calls for a law change. She said: “With a similar system in place in Wales for two years now it is abundantly clear England is lagging behind. It is time that the Government looks at consulting on this issue in England.”
The mother of kidney patient Sonia Field, nine, agreed. Abi, 30, said: “It’s absolutely amazing that Scotland has changed the law. There definitely should be an opt-out scheme.”
John Forsythe, of NHS Blood and Transplant, added: “The shortage of donors means on average three people die a day in need of a transplant and we urge everyone to have the conversation today.”
Asked if it would take action, the Department of Health said yesterday: “We are committed to continuing campaigns which raise awareness, but will keep a close eye on how the changes in Wales and Scotland affect donation rates in considering whether new policy is needed.”
COME on, Theresa May – do the decent thing to stop people needlessly dying and save 1,000 lives a year.
We challenge the Prime Minister to follow in England the initiatives in Wales and now Scotland to give the gift of live to desperately sick Britons waiting for organ transplants.
By introducing a system whereby we are automatically enrolled on the register unless we specifically opt out, families will be spared the heartache of loved ones passing away for want of a heart or kidney.
We want Mrs May to put aside her political difficulties on controversial issues such as the economy and foreign policy to champion a modernisation of the law.
It is a terrible waste of life that people suffer in pain, then die needlessly when more organs would permit them to live full and happy lives.
We have the science and ability to save lives. What we lack is the political will.