Poots Updates Assembly On The Next Steps For Organ Donation Policy

Health Minister Edwin Poots has updated the Assembly on the next steps for organ donation policy in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to the Assembly, the Minister said: "In April last year I announced the key measures to be taken forward by my Department in developing its organ donation policy. In July 2013 I launched the NHS Blood and Transplant's (NHSBT) new UK-wide organ donation and transplantation strategy, 'Taking Organ Donation to 2020 – A UK Strategy'.

"This strategy was developed by NHSBT in collaboration with all UK Health Departments and all those involved in organ donation and transplantation, including professional bodies, patient groups, transplant surgeons and the wider health service. The overall aim is to match world-class performance in organ donation and transplantation.

"The UK strategy does not propose soft opt-out legislation should be introduced as a UK-wide policy. Instead the strategy proposes that three groups (society and individuals, NHS hospitals and staff, NHSBT and Commissioners) need to act for the strategy to be successful and achieve the desired outcomes. Action from Government, professional bodies and the voluntary sector in support will be essential too."

The Minister continued: "In addition to the actions set out in this strategy, at my request the Public Health Agency (PHA) has completed a major survey to test local public opinion on organ donation. The results of the work highlighted some surprising facts, such as:

• 84% of respondents supported the idea of organ donation;

• More than a third (36%) of respondents were not aware of the Organ Donor Register (ODR);

• 78% of respondents said they would be willing to accept an organ if they needed one;

• 78% of respondents agreed that it is important to discuss your donation wishes with your family and/or friends, however, only 38% had done so.

"The findings of that survey have informed a public information campaign which the PHA will launch on 12 February aimed at encouraging people to let their family know if they wish to donate their organs at the end of life. The aim is to increase public awareness of organ donation and the number of donors."

(CVS/CD)