Would you consider organ donation?

More than 50,000 people across the UK are alive today due to the generosity of organ donors and their families. But right now, around 6,400 seriously ill people are waiting for a life-saving transplant and three people die every day in need of a donated organ.

In December 2017, the Government launched a consultation seeking people’s views on the current legislation for organ donation and the results of this are due sometime in the spring. You can view the GOV.UK announcement here. 

The consultation will consider an ‘opt out’ system, an issue that will get people talking. Which is a good thing, because talking openly and honestly about your thoughts around organ donation with family and friends could save lives. If you die in circumstances where donation is possible, even if you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register, the clinical teams will speak to your family and expect them to support your decision. If you are not on the NHS Organ Donor Register, your family will be asked to make a decision on your behalf.

Our main problem is that the subject is not being talked about enough. This means your family may not know your wishes. Which puts them in a terrible position and may mean your wishes are not carried out.