Dickson Speaks in Support of the Organ Donation Bill as it Reaches its Final Stage

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has said he is delighted that the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill will go through its Final Stage at Stormont today.

Mr Dickson said: “A soft opt-out organ donation system for Northern Ireland has been campaigned for, for many years now. Not least by the British Heart Foundation, and other charities in this space.

“As a long-time campaigner myself, and an organ donor card holder, I am delighted on a personal level, to see this Bill end its journey en route to becoming bona fide law.

Mr Dickson said: “Organ transplantation is the only effective treatment available for many patients with organ failure.  And sadly around 14 people die each year while on the waiting list in Northern Ireland for an organ transplant.

“Over 90% of people in Northern Ireland support organ donation but only 50% have registered with the NHS Organ Donor Register. Therefore, simplifying organ donation seems logical and in the best interests of everyone.

“Of course it will be crucial to ensure easy opt-out for those who do not wish to donate their organs, and family members will still be consulted during the process”.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “Wales introduced a soft opt-out system in 2015, and all indicators point to it working exceedingly well so far.

“Evidence shows an increase in both consent rate and donation rate, with only 6% of the population registering to opt-out.

“I am confident this legislation will be a life saver for hundreds, if not thousands, over the coming years, and I will be delighted to see it pass into legislation”.