Organ Donation in England and Wales

From 20 May 2020, all adults in England will join the residents of Wales, by being considered to have agreed to be an organ and tissue donor when they die (deemed consent) unless they recorded a decision not to donate, or are in one of the excluded groups. People in Wales have been subject to deemed consent since  December 2015, and Scotland will adopt it in the Autumn of 2020. This means that if you have not confirmed whether you want to be an organ donor – either by recording a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, or by speaking to friends or family, it will be considered that you agree to donate your organs when you die.

This presumption in favour of Organ and Tissue donation makes it more important than ever that you discuss your views with your family. Why is that conversation so important?  The family of a potential donor will always be approached to discuss the option of organ and tissue donation. This helps to make sure that any decision recorded on the NHS Organ Donor Register is your latest known decision. A specialist nurse will work with the family to help ensure this is supported. Your family can tell us about any particular requests or requirements you may have had to help ensure that organ donation goes ahead in line with your faith or beliefs. Your family provide important information about your medical, travel and social history too. The information your family provides would help ensure your organs are safe for others to receive.

If you dot not wish to donate organs or tissue, you are encouraged to both speak to your family but also “opt out” of the scheme by registering your view at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk