DONATION LAW CHANGE
Organ donation can often be the difference between life and death, yet a shortage of donors has proved to be a nightmare for healthcare professionals over the years. Now, Scotland has changed its organ and tissue donation laws…
A
round 500 people in Scotland are currently waiting for an organ transplant. Tragically, there is a drastic shortage of
donors, meaning many people are living with life- limiting illnesses and an uncertain future.
Recently, a group of Tayside transplant recipients completed a 5K walk, run or cycle to mark the change in organ and tissue donation law change in Scotland.
Since Friday 26 March, organ and tissue donation law in Scotland has changed to an opt-out system: part of a package of measures to continue to improve transplantation rates – and the lives of those for whom the wait continues. Presently, only around one per cent of people die in a way that makes organ donation possible, so every opportunity for donation is very precious.
The new system means that if adults over the age of 16 have not opted out when they die, the law allows for the donation of certain organs and tissue for transplantation.
Sid Grant from Kinross was the driving force in encouraging other transplant recipients to take part in the 5K. He received a kidney transplant 31 years ago.
‘It’s been 31 years since I received the gift of life,’ Sid said. ‘I owe everything to the person who put their name on the organ donor register all those years ago.
‘Although we’re now moving to an opt-out system, it is still vital to highlight the importance of organ donation. This is why I decided to contact my fellow organ donation recipients and get them all to take part in a 5K to mark the change in the law.’
‘The law around organ and tissue donation is changing to help save and improve lives,’ added NHS Tayside's Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, Dr Pauline Austin. ‘I’d encourage people to think about what they’d want to happen as every opportunity for donation is precious. Also, remember to talk about whatever decision they make with their loved ones.
‘Whatever patients decide, they should record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell their family to help ensure that decision is honoured.’
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scottishpharmacist.com
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