Gordon Banks secures Adjournment Debate on Organ Donation

17 March 2008

Gordon Banks has increased the pace on his Organ Donation campaign by securing a debate in the House of Commons this Wednesday. The debate aims to encourage the Government to implement an ‘opt out’ system for Organ Donation

As well as Parliamentary questions and this debate Gordon has also tabled an Early Day Motion which is designed to gauge the support of fellow MP’s. 49 other MP’s have already pledged their support for the campaign

Mr Banks said - “8000 people are currently on the transplant waiting list and this figure is growing every year. So it is clear that something needs to be done to alleviate the suffering of those on the list and their families. Too many people are dying needlessly whilst waiting on organs.”

“Many of us will know the pain and anguish of someone close to us who is waiting for a transplant.”

“The ‘opt out’ system already operates in several other European countries and has boosted the number of organs available for transplant. However an ‘opt out’ must be coupled with the recruitment of extra transplant co-ordinators to ensure that all suitable organs are in fact harvested. It is difficult to expect overworked intensive care staff to take on the role themselves. Transplant surgery is vital and should be given specialist attention.”

“I hope this debate will apply some pressure on the Government in order to ensure that this area is tackled appropriately and that needless suffering is ended. We need to be able to face the challenges that an increasing need for organs brings and I feel that an ‘opt out’ system is the best way to achieve that. They have an excellent model of Organ Donation in Spain and I will encouraging the Health Secretary to look closely at the model to see if it can be adapted to work here in the UK”

“The current system, in my opinion, is too restrictive and I believe we have reached a point where there is public demand for change. I want to ensure this Government is doing all it can by supporting our already over worked transplant coordinators and that although a change in the system may be some months away it is important that we lay down some strong foundations now and think about the future. Lessons can be learned from other countries such as Spain and the US and I want to ensure we are doing that.”

“The Government has already gone some way by accepting the conclusions of the Organ Donation Taskforce and I will continue to ensure that its recommendations are followed and implemented as soon as possible. While these will be challenging to deliver, the rewards are significant.”

“The report proposes a radical shift from existing arrangements, recommending the recruitment of around 100 extra donor transplant coordinators to work with hospitals and guide and support bereaved families through the donation process. Together with other measures to improve donor coordination services this could result in a 50% increase in the consent rate for donation.