MSP welcomes legislationbid

Clare Haughey MSP has described the move to a soft opt-out system as“great news for our health service”.

The member for Rutherglen backed the legislation, which was brought forward by public health minister Aileen Campbell last week.

A consultation period between December and March saw 82 per cent of those who contributed backing the plan.

Currently in Scotland, organ and/or tissue donation after a person’s death only occurs if they have given advance authorisation or if their nearest relative authorises on their behalf.

A soft opt out, or deemed authorisation system, means that a donation can go ahead if the person has not opted out or told their family they do not wish to donate.

However, families and next of kin can still object.

Ms Haughey said:“Today’s decision to legislate for a soft opt-out system is great news for our health service.

“With the amazing help of donors and their families, NHS Scotland has already made great progress, including a 34 per cent increase in donors this past year alone. Scotland now has the highest donor rate in the UK.

“However, we can do better and moving to a soft opt-out system is a really important step towards further reducing the number of people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang waiting for transplants.

“We should always keep in mind the tragic circumstances that give rise to organ donation and forever appreciate the selfless acts of donors and their families that enable others to live.

“Organ and tissue donation saves lives and is one of the greatest gifts a person can give.”