30,000 pledge to donate organs
More than 45 per cent of people in Scotland are now on the Organ Donor Register, figures show.
The Scottish Government revealed that this year 30,747 people signalled their willingness to donate their organs or tissue after they die – up from the 28,393 who signed up the previous year.
Holyrood ministers have previously announced plans to introduce a “soft opt-out” system for organ donation north of the Border.
It would mean that people would be assumed to have consented to their organs being used to help others unless they had signed an opt-out–potentially increasing the number of organ transplants that can take place in Scotland each year.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: “It is amazing to see how many potential donors have come forward.
“Almost 31,000 people have given a potentially lifesaving and life- changing gift this year.
“As everyone starts thinking about their New Year’s resolutions for 2018, I would encourage them to consider joining the Organ Donor Register.
“We’ve seen great progress on organ donation in recent years – a testament to the incredible generosity of donors and their families.
“But there will always be more we can do. That’s why we will bring forward plans for a soft opt- out system of donation.”
To register, go to www. organdonationscotland.org