Make decision known about organ donation ahead of law change

NHS Lanarkshire has backed a new campaign highlighting what the forthcoming change in organ and tissue donation law means for people – and their choices.

From March 26, Scotland will move to an opt out system of organ and tissue donation to help save and improve lives.

The change in law means that if people aged 16 and over have not recorded a decision, they will be considered as a possible donor.

Everyone has a choice – to be a donor, or opt out of donation - and Dr Jane Burns, medical director for NHS Lanarkshire, has encouraged people to make that decision known by recording it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and making family aware.

Informing family is important, as under the new law, they will still be consulted to check what their loved ones latest views on donation were. This is to ensure donation doesn’t proceed where it is against the donor’s wishes.

Dr Burns said: “Organ donation isn’t something that comes up in everyday conversation, but ahead of the law changing we’re encouraging people to make time to think about what they’d want to happen and share it.

“Your name will not be on the NHS Organ Donor Register until you record a decision. Everyone has a choice about whether or not they want to donate, and the best way to make it known is by recording it on the register and telling those close to you.”

For more information visit organdonationscotland.org or call 0300 303 2094.