Deadline for organ donation changes
Locals across Forth Valley are being urged to make their mind on organ donation ahead of a crucial deadline on the issue this week.
A change in legislation will see Scotland move to an ‘opt out’ system from Friday, meaning that those over the age of 16 who have not registered a preference could be considered a donor if they die in circumstances where they could donate.
Anyone can record their decision to be a donor or to opt out on the NHS Organ Donor Register at any time and those who do nothing when the law changes, it will be assumed that they have consented to donate - unless they are in a group where the law provides an exemption.
The opt out is part of a range of measures introduced in Scotland which have seen “significant increases” in both donation and transplantation in the past decade.
The issue has already been subject of a national campaign urging people to make their choice and highlighting the need to communicate that decision with family to ensure that a loved one’s wishes are honoured on their passing.
Around 500 people on average are waiting for an organ transplant at any one time in Scotland, with only one per cent of people dying in a way that makes organ donation possible.
Dr Helen Tyler, consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine and Clinical Lead for Organ Donation at NHS Forth Valley, said: “The law around organ and tissue donation is changing to help save and improve lives.
“I’d encourage people to think about what they’d want to happen as every opportunity for donation is precious.
“Whatever you decide, record it on the NHS
Organ Donor Register and tell your family to help ensure that decision is honoured. If you’ve already recorded your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, there is no need to re-register as it will still stand when the new law is introduced.”