DONOR OPT-OUT TO START IN 2020
Max’s Law will save hundreds of patients
A NEW opt-out organ donor system – expected to save 700 lives a year – will launch in 2020, the Government announces today.
The system of presumed consent will be referred to as “Max’s Law” after 10-year-old Max Johnson, who was saved by a heart transplant.
Health Minister Jackie Doyle-price said a government consultation on the reform sparked an “overwhelmingly positive” response from the public.
She said: “It’s very simple – organ donation saves lives. We believe that by making these changes we can save as many as 700 more lives every year.”
Under the proposals, the wishes of families and next of kin would continue to be respected, so organs will not be removed without their backing.
Ms Doyle-price stressed that organ donation will “remain a gift”. Those who do not wish to donate their organs will still be able to record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Research shows that 82% of Brits support organ donation, but only 37% have recorded their wishes.
Health groups have welcomed the new system. Fiona Loud, of Kidney Care UK, said: “For the 25,000 patients on dialysis in England this means hope and a new future.”
Simon Gillespie, of the British Heart Foundation, added: “It will give hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”