Did you know that from Spring 2020 the law is changing and every adult will be considered to have agreed to donate their organs when they die unless they expressly ‘opt out’ by recording a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups? This is commonly referred to as an ‘opt out’ system.
Why do we need an opt out system?
There has been tremendous progress in organ donation but there is still a shortage of donors. Last year, 408 patients died in the UK on the transplant waiting list.
What happens if I do nothing?
Once the new system comes into effect in England, if you have not expressed your decision to opt out of donation and are not in an excluded group, it will be considered that you consent to donate your organs. So even if you don’t record that you want to be an organ donor, it is important to let your family know what you want.
If you have specific instructions about which organs you would or would not like to donate, you should provide this information when you record your donation decision on the NHS Organ Donation Register.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. If you have recorded an organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and want to update your details, or change or reaffirm your decision, you can complete the Amend your details form or call 0300 123 23 23.
It is important to share your decision to be an organ donor with your family. This will give them more confidence that they know that you wanted to donate and make it easier for them to honour your decision.
