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01/06/2023
Organ Donation Changes As Dáithí's Law Takes Effect
Changes to organ donation legislation have taken effect across Northern Ireland.
The legislation is named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann. His family have campaigned for changes to help their son receive a heart transplant.
The law was passed in Westminster in February with support from the UK Government due to the ongoing stalemate in Stormont.
The new legislation changes the way consent for organ donation is given, with the aim of increasing the amount of organs available. People in Northern Ireland are now considered to have given consent to their organs to be donated after death unless they have chosen to opt out.
The legislation includes a number of excluded groups - Children under 18, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes as well as visitors and temporary residents are exempt from the changes.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "Everyone will still have a choice – people are free to opt-in, opt-out or amend their decision at any time – and families will continue to be consulted. We know that the vast majority of people here say that they support organ donation in principle, but many people still haven’t got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families. By switching to an opt out system, the hope is that this makes it easier for families to support donation."
Celebrating the changes Sinn Fein Michelle O'Neil said: "This is an historic day as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect, with all adults in the north now considered organ donors unless they choose to opt out.
"Today belongs to little Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents Máirtín and Seph, and all who have campaigned tirelessly to get this life saving law over the line. You never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many people on the organ donation waiting list.
"This is an example of the real change that can be delivered when parties work together in the Assembly and Executive to better people’s lives and drive forward progressive legislation."
The legislation is named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann. His family have campaigned for changes to help their son receive a heart transplant.
The law was passed in Westminster in February with support from the UK Government due to the ongoing stalemate in Stormont.
The new legislation changes the way consent for organ donation is given, with the aim of increasing the amount of organs available. People in Northern Ireland are now considered to have given consent to their organs to be donated after death unless they have chosen to opt out.
The legislation includes a number of excluded groups - Children under 18, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes as well as visitors and temporary residents are exempt from the changes.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "Everyone will still have a choice – people are free to opt-in, opt-out or amend their decision at any time – and families will continue to be consulted. We know that the vast majority of people here say that they support organ donation in principle, but many people still haven’t got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families. By switching to an opt out system, the hope is that this makes it easier for families to support donation."
Celebrating the changes Sinn Fein Michelle O'Neil said: "This is an historic day as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect, with all adults in the north now considered organ donors unless they choose to opt out.
"Today belongs to little Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents Máirtín and Seph, and all who have campaigned tirelessly to get this life saving law over the line. You never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many people on the organ donation waiting list.
"This is an example of the real change that can be delivered when parties work together in the Assembly and Executive to better people’s lives and drive forward progressive legislation."
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11 April 2013
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
80% Increase In NI Organ Donors
Northern Ireland has seen an increase of 81.8% in deceased organ donors over the last five years. The news comes as the NHS confirms it has achieved its target of a 50% increase for the whole of the UK, as laid out in the Organ Donation Taskforce in 2008.
19 September 2023
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
09 July 2015
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July. The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
25 July 2001
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
21 September 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
