Strathearn Herald Monthly Article

21 January 2008

A debate which has been taking place the length and breadth of the country has been the issue of organ donation. I wanted to use my monthly column to outline my position on an issue that I feel very strongly about.

I believe there should be an automatic presumption for organ donation after death.

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.”

I understand and sympathise with the opposing view and there should be a database for people who do NOT want their organs to be used for transplant - giving people the freedom to opt out. If someone felt strongly enough about not having their organs taken, I am certain they would make sure their name was on that database.

It’s tough. It sounds harsh, but so does the death of a thousand people a year, many of whom are children, due to the lack of organ donation.

However an ‘opt out’ system 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 Each region should have a team ready to operate when needed, to remove organs, and there should also be a national database prioritising organs urgently required, especially for children.

Many of us are unfortunate to know someone who needs an organ donation and I believe there is enough need and support to carry these proposals into law and ensure that people do not die needlessly. The ‘opt out’ system already operates in several other European countries and has boosted the number of organs available for transplant and we must take note of this.

As always, I am keen to hear your views on any topic so please do not hesitate to contact me