Hamilton pushes for greater promotion of o‎rgan donation and transplantation

Health Minister Simon Hamilton has endorsed the new clause in the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill placing a duty on his Department to promote organ donation and transplantation.

https://twitter.com/healthdptSpeaking in the Assembly today the Minister said: “This new clause presents us with an opportunity to further increase the number of people on the Organ Donor Register and more importantly to encourage families to have the important discussions which can lead to a real increase in the number of organs donated.

“We have a tried and tested voluntary registration system for organ donation in Northern Ireland. I also believe that our record on promoting the organ donor register speaks for itself in terms of raising awareness.

“I would like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the transplantation team at Belfast City Hospital for their part in this; the work they undertake has seen live organ donation rates in Northern Ireland rise to a level that is now the very best in Europe and also stands among the best in the world.”

The Minister continued: “One of the key challenges in increasing the rate of organ donation is to convert the relatively high number of potential donors on the register to actual donations with family approval above the current average of 60%. This will involve maximising the available international best practice in counselling to encourage families to make the difficult decision on organ donation at a time of great distress for them.

“I am therefore establishing a Clinical Advisory Group, drawing from our local experts in organ donation and transplantation to work with my Department on shaping the policy that will be targeted at achieving this increase. The group will report this summer.‎"

Notes to editors: 

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