Welsh Government
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Organ donation in Wales: putting the new law into practice

As Wales approaches the two-year countdown to the start of a new system of organ donation, health professionals are gathering in Cardiff yesterday (Tuesday 26 November) to discuss putting the deemed consent legislation into practice.

From 1st December 2015, Wales will be the first UK country to introduce deemed consent.

Around 150 delegates, including specialist nurses and consultants in organ donation, are attending the “Towards 2020: Organ Donation and Transplantation in Wales Conference” at the Millennium Stadium.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford, opening the Conference, said:

“2013 has been a momentous year for organ donation and transplantation with our landmark legislation receiving Royal Assent.

“Wales is leading the way in the UK to address the shortage of organs. Last year, 35 people in Wales died while waiting for a transplant; that is why we have taken action.

“The move towards deemed consent will deliver a revolution in consent, but we have always been clear it is one part in a series of actions designed to increase donation and transplantation rates.

“Today I am launching the Taking Organ Donation to 2020 Wales Action Plan, setting out further steps to be taken. These include actions for everyone involved, from ensuring that everybody has the opportunity to make their decision known, to ensuring that those who receive transplants have the appropriate after-care and follow-up.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped deliver improvements in organ donation and transplantation over the last five years, in particular the specialist nurses, clinical leads and organ donation committee chairs who have worked tirelessly.”


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