Organ donation opt-out change will save 700 lives a year, says minister

A NEW opt-out organ donor system which could save up to 700 lives a year is to be introduced, the Government said yesterday.

The “presumed consent” system will be named Max’s Law, after 10-year-old Max Johnson, whose family lobbied for changes after his life was saved by a heart transplant. The legislation, which won widespread political backing in a consultation earlier this year, is due to go before the Commons in the autumn.

The change, which follows decades of debate, will be introduced in spring 2020. Ministers have called on as many people as possible to register a decision, whether it is yes or no.

Jackie Doyle-Price, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Mental Health and Inequalities said: “Organ donation saves lives. We believe that by making these changes, we can save as many as 700 more lives every year.

“Organ donation remains a gift. I want to encourage people to take the time to record their wishes and discuss it with their family.”

Individuals will be able to record their preferences on an new NHS app or via a helpline and website.

For the first time, the register will also include an option for individuals to state religious and cultural beliefs – such as the need to avoid burial delays, or to ensure last rites can be performed.

Research shows that 82 per cent of people in this country support organ donation, but only 37 per cent have recorded their wishes on the NHS

Organ Donor Register.

Fiona Loud, director of policy at Kidney Care UK, welcomed the change.

She said: “For the 25,000 patients on dialysis in England this means hope and a new future.

“Patients are dying every day while they wait for a transplant, so we welcome the commitment to change.”