Welsh experience on offer to help England with changes to their organ donation system

On 1 December 2015, Wales became the first part of the UK to introduce a soft opt-out system. 

People aged 18 and over who have lived in Wales for more than 12 months and who die in Wales are now regarded as having consented to organ donation unless they have opted out. This is called deemed consent.

People who want to be organ donors can register a decision to opt in or do nothing, which will mean they have no objection to being an organ donor. Those people who do not want to be organ donor can opt out at any time. 

Vaughan Gething said: 

“We firmly believe the benefits of a soft opt out organ donation system to those needing a transplant are literally, life changing.

“I was pleased therefore to hear the Prime Minister announcing her intention to follow our lead by consulting on a new opt-out system for organ donation in England.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved so far and along the way we have gained a wealth of experience in implementing our own opt out system in Wales. We are on standby to help England in any way we can as they take forward legislation on this important issue.

“On Wednesday [1 Nov 2017], I’ll be launching a major new campaign focusing on the role of families in the organ donation process. While we are always happy to offer our advice and expertise to England, and other nations considering making a change, we know there is still work to do in Wales to raise awareness of the changes to our organ donation system. We want to ensure there are as many organs available for those in need of a transplant.”