Consultant calls for public debate over organ donation - Health News - News - icWales

Consultant calls for public debate over organ donation - Health News - News - icWales
Dr Richard Moore


It is hoped the anguish regarding organ donation in a distressed relative is diminished and that donation would become the default position.
Now is the time to consider the way forward. Too many people are dying on waiting lists following a protracted period of grossly diminished quality of life and we need to resolve the problem.
Too much discussion and debate in the past has occurred within the domain of healthcare professionals, civil service and government without widespread engagement of the public.
This is an area of immense relevance for the general population and the public should decide.
Where do we go from here? Wales has an unique opportunity to lead the way for patients with end organ failure within the UK.
Kidney Wales Foundation, now 40 years old, has petitioned the Welsh Assembly Government to consider this matter urgently and to use its powers to introduce a new law on presumed consent.
The British Medical Association is supportive, as are the chief medical officers for England and Wales.
Wales has a chance to make the difference for UK patients awaiting transplants and enable them to benefit from the gift of life.

Dr Richard Moore is a consultant kidney specialist and has worked at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff since 1989. He is a Trustee of Kidney Wales Foundation.