Dozens of Lives Saved Under New Organ Donation System

Wales’ ‘revolutionary’ new system for organ donation has saved dozens of lives during the first six months since implementation, the Welsh Government has announced.

Back in December 2015 the Welsh Government introduced a new system to increase the number of organ donors across Wales.

The system – known as soft opt out or deemed consent – allows people who want to be an organ donor to either register a decision to opt in or do nothing. For those who choose to do nothing, they will be regarded as having consented to organ donation.

Of the 31 people donating organs since the legislation was introduced, 10 were directly because of the new system. In total, over half of the organs donated in this period came from people whose consent had been deemed.

A Welsh Government survey has also suggested the general public has become more aware of the new law, with 74% of the Welsh public saying they are able to describe the changes to the system.

The legislation applies to people who are 18 or over, have lived in Wales for more than 12 months and also die in Wales.

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths is a long-time supporter of the flagship legislation and welcomed the latest figures. She said: “Wales has lead the way in introducing this ground-breaking legislation and it is encouraging to see a significant majority of people in Wales are embracing the new system, with many individuals having discussed the implications with their family and loved ones.

“Quite simply, the legislation is aimed at saving lives and early indications suggest it has already had a positive impact in our country.”