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06/02/2013
Calls For 'Opt Out' Organ Donor Debate
Health Minister Edwin Poots has called for a debate on how to improve organ donation rates, following increased interest in the introduction of an 'opt-out' scheme.
Such a scheme would reverse the current policy and would mean all citizens of Northern Ireland would automatically consent to donating their organs after death. Those opposed would be provided with a chance to 'opt-out'.
Mr Poots made the announcement as he accompanied First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on a visit to Regional Nephrology and Transplant Service of the Belfast City Hospital.
The Health Minister said: "As there is sustained interest in the introduction of an opt-out system for organ donation in Northern Ireland, it is appropriate that we step up the debate on this issue. Therefore I am proposing a public consultation on attitudes towards an opt-out system. This will be accompanied by a strong message to sign on to organ donor register."
The First Minister said: "The gift of an organ can changes lives immeasurably and I would encourage everyone to think seriously about the real benefits that organ donation brings. We are committed to raising awareness of important issues such as this and in line with other European countries, want the people of Northern Ireland to have the same life chances as those elsewhere."
The deputy First Minister said: "The top ten organ donor rate countries in the world all have an opt out system. Spain has the highest with 34.3 donors per million population compared to our system which is under 17 donors per million population. I support the opt out system as the best way forward to increase organ donations."
SDLP Health Spokesperson Conall McDevitt has remarked: "An opt-out scheme for organ donation would be a huge step forward for this region, and would bring hope to so many patients and their families currently on the waiting list for an organ donation."
There are currently around 200 people on the active transplant waiting list for Northern Ireland, while 15 die each year while waiting.
(IT)
Such a scheme would reverse the current policy and would mean all citizens of Northern Ireland would automatically consent to donating their organs after death. Those opposed would be provided with a chance to 'opt-out'.
Mr Poots made the announcement as he accompanied First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on a visit to Regional Nephrology and Transplant Service of the Belfast City Hospital.
The Health Minister said: "As there is sustained interest in the introduction of an opt-out system for organ donation in Northern Ireland, it is appropriate that we step up the debate on this issue. Therefore I am proposing a public consultation on attitudes towards an opt-out system. This will be accompanied by a strong message to sign on to organ donor register."
The First Minister said: "The gift of an organ can changes lives immeasurably and I would encourage everyone to think seriously about the real benefits that organ donation brings. We are committed to raising awareness of important issues such as this and in line with other European countries, want the people of Northern Ireland to have the same life chances as those elsewhere."
The deputy First Minister said: "The top ten organ donor rate countries in the world all have an opt out system. Spain has the highest with 34.3 donors per million population compared to our system which is under 17 donors per million population. I support the opt out system as the best way forward to increase organ donations."
SDLP Health Spokesperson Conall McDevitt has remarked: "An opt-out scheme for organ donation would be a huge step forward for this region, and would bring hope to so many patients and their families currently on the waiting list for an organ donation."
There are currently around 200 people on the active transplant waiting list for Northern Ireland, while 15 die each year while waiting.
(IT)
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