Saying no to ‘opt out’ donor scheme is ‘lost opportunity’ - WalesOnline

Saying no to ‘opt out’ donor scheme is ‘lost opportunity’ - WalesOnline

WALES has lost a “golden opportunity” to reverse the dire shortage of donated organs as an influential committee today rejects calls for presumed consent.

The National Assembly’s health committee says the time is not right to seek a legislative competence order (LCO) for presumed consent in Wales.

It voted six to three against the scheme – in which people are assumed to be organ donors unless they opt out – preferring to recommend that the NHS’ capacity to deal with organ transplants is increased in Wales.

Roy J Thomas, chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and the Donate Wales – Tell A Loved One campaign, said: “Wales must take the lead in addressing the issues surrounding the shortage of donors in Wales and not wait for decisions to be made by task forces in England and led by Whitehall.”