PEOPLE are being urged to talk about organ donation with the family and friends in the wake of a change in the law.
The change, which came into force on Wednesday, means that all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their organs when they die unless they record a decision not to do so or are in one of the excluded groups.
However NHS Blood and Transplant says people will still have a choice whether or not to donate.
They say families will still be consulted, and people’s faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.
Where someone hasn’t expressed a decision, specialist nurses will support their families to make a decision, based on what their loved ones would have wanted.
In addition they say if the decision is not to donate, this will be honoured and upheld.
Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Even though the law around organ donation changed on May 20, there is no deadline to making your donation decision, you can register your choice at any time.
“Your family will always be involved in discussions about the possibility of donation, so it is vital you share your choice with them, whether you are with them in person, or are staying connected via a chat over the phone or on family Zoom or Skype calls.”
People can make their choice by registering it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and telling your family. For more information visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
