Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage welcomes Robinson’s Private Member’s Bill to create an opt-out organ donation system in England.
This Organ Donation Week is coupled with the launch of a NHS Blood and Transplant community investment scheme that aims to raise public awareness of organ donation. The new community investment scheme enables community and faith based groups in England and Wales to apply for funding for projects that help promote organ donation and tackle myths surrounding the procedure. This is combined with a new approach to organ donation where members of the public opt-out of organ donation instead of having to sign up to the Organ Donation Register.
Caroline commented:
“Organ donation and public awareness surrounding it is something that has always been close to my heart. Since I hosted a ‘Pass it On’ campaign in 2013 promoting the NHS Organ Donation Register we have come a long way, I am delighted to hear that more people than ever had received transplants this Organ Donation Week. Last year more than 1200 people in Hampshire had life-saving transplants. Not only in Hampshire but throughout the country this is a credit to donors, their families, charities and NHS staff that make this possible. Nonetheless I am very aware that there is still more to be done to help encourage public awareness of this life changing procedure. I am delighted to support such a worthy cause and opt-out organ donation which can save as many as 700 lives a year.”
To find out more about organ donation please visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk.