Press Release
30th November 2005

Sign up to Save Lives
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, says moves to modernise the law on organ donation present an ideal opportunity to ensure that people know the importance of signing up to the NHS organ donor register.

Mr McNeil, who sits on Holyrood’s Health Committee, has been scrutinising the Scottish Executive’s Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill, which proposes a new framework for organ donation and transplantation.

The Bill, which will be debated by MSPs today, also introduces new safeguards on post-mortem examination and the associated retention of body parts.

Speaking ahead of today’s debate, Mr McNeil said:

“This Bill deals with sensitive issues.  But, just because the issues are difficult, doesn’t mean we should shy away from them.

“The Bill aims to strengthen the present system of ‘opting in’ for organ donation and transplantation, which you can do by carrying a donor card or putting your name on the Organ Donor Register.

“At the very least, you should make sure that your nearest and dearest know your wishes.  If, God forbid, the worst happens, not only will you save your loved ones from making a terrible decision, you could save a life.”

Mr McNeil also explained how the Bill would prevent insensitive or irresponsible doctors removing and retaining body parts without consent.

“The provisions relating to hospital post-mortem examinations make it clear that no such examination can be carried out unless it has been authorised either by the person him or herself while still alive, or, if no such wishes were expressed, by the person's nearest relative,” he said. “In the case of a child under 12, authorisation has to be given by the parents.

“Anyone performing a hospital post-mortem examination or retaining organs and tissue from such an examination without authorisation would be guilty of an offence and would face a substantial fine and a year in prison.”

Health Minister, Andy Kerr, added:

“The main message of this campaign is simple. If you join the organ donor register you could save a life, if you don't you won't. There is a clear choice to be made.”

While the Health Committee expresses support for the Bill, its Stage 1 Report also sets out a series of recommendations about how the Bill might be improved. Similarly, it makes a number of recommendations about what will be required for effective implementation of the Bill.

These recommendations include:  

• That information and awareness-raising activity is undertaken to ensure individuals know the action they should take to ensure their wishes can be respected;
• The production of clear guidance on how to proceed when disputes arise between parents with regard to parental authorisations; and
• The addressing of concerns about the absence of fail-safe mechanisms which would allow individuals to record their wishes on organ donation across the range of circumstances dealt with in the Bill.  In particular, the Committee recommends that specific reference to the NHS Organ Donor Register is made on the face of the Bill.

Anyone interested in joining the NHS Organ Donation Register can by calling 0845 60 60 400 or by logging on to www.uktransplant.org.uk
ENDS

Notes

• On 15th November there were 590 people waiting for an organ transplant in Scotland.
• Last year, 153 people received organ transplants in Scotland.
• Last year, 24 people died in Scotland waiting for an organ transplant.

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