McArthur highlights need to talk about decisions during Organ Donation Week
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has marked this year’s Organ and Tissue Donation Week by highlighting the importance of people discussing their donation decisions with their loved ones.
This year’s Organ Donation Week marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register, which was established in 1994, and has facilitated 60,000 transplants and donations in the years since. As the week gets underway, the NHS is encouraging people across Scotland to discuss their donation decision with friends and family members – especially as more people than ever are waiting for a transplant.
Yesterday, Mr McArthur joined transplant recipients, clinicians, and campaigners in the Scottish Parliament at an event marking Organ Donation Week.
Commenting, Mr McArthur said:
“Up to 500 people in Scotland are awaiting a transplant at any one time, including people in Orkney. These transplants can transform or save lives for the people who are waiting for them.
“Although Scotland now has an opt-out system, the NHS still needs the consent of loved ones or next of kin to retrieve organs. If people register their wishes and have these important conversations with loved ones about their decision, it significantly increases the opportunities for donation at the sensitive time when donation is possible.
“Transplant recipients in parliament yesterday were able to explain just how important organ donation is. Organ Donation Week is an amazing chance to expand donation opportunities, if people use the opportunity to check their registration status and talk to their loved ones.”