Support for UK donation and transplantation strategy

Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health in Scotland said: “In Scotland, we've already seen huge progress in terms of getting more people on the NHS Organ Donor Register and in significantly increasing the number of donors. While this shows we are on the right track, we know that even more can be done to address the shortage of donated organs. The Scottish plan sets out the actions we and the NHS will take to give more people the chance of receiving a life-saving or life-enhancing transplant."

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Mark Drakeford, Minister for Health and Social Services in Wales said: "I am pleased to lend the Welsh Government's support for the new strategy, as we share its aims to revolutionise public attitudes to organ donation. In Wales, we have decided to legislate for a change in the consent system in order to save and improve more lives through organ donation. We believe this will bring about a cultural shift in attitudes towards organ donation. A change in legislation is just one – albeit major – action we are developing to increase donor rates. The 2020 strategy sets out a whole series of measures for the whole of the UK to build on the success we have had in this area.”

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Anna Soubry, Public Health Minister in England said: "I am delighted that thanks to the work of NHS Blood and Transplant and the millions already signed up on the Organ Donor Register, we are seeing a 50 per cent increase in organ donors and 30 per cent more organs transplanted than five years ago. Giving an organ can save the life of someone in desperate need, so I'm delighted that so many people have agreed to donate and give the gift of life, helping to increase donor numbers by 50 per cent since 2008 and save hundreds of lives. It's vital that we continue to give more people the opportunity of a transplant which is why I encourage everyone to discuss their wishes about organ donation with their loved ones and sign the register today at organdonation.nhs.uk."

Read her personal message during Transplant Week

Edwin Poots, Minister of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland said: “We all have the opportunity to help others in need and save lives by discussing your wish to donate an organ with family and friends and by joining the Organ Donor Register. I recently announced my intention to establish public attitudes towards organ donation and this work is now underway. Once the outcome of this work is known, which is expected to be later this year, I will decide on the next steps to increase organ donation in Northern Ireland ."

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