News Wales > Health > Are you in favour of presumed organ donation?

News Wales > Health > Are you in favour of presumed organ donation? click

A Welsh Assembly Health Committee wants to hear public views on presumed consent for organ donation. This can be a sensitive subject, and the health committee wants to find out the views of as many people in Wales as possible.

On May 7 the committee will take evidence for its inquiry into the potential for making changes to the way body organs are donated. Members want to hear the opinions of the public during an open microphone session.

The committee is also undertaking an online poll and discussion forum on the subject. The results will form part of the evidence on which the Committee bases its final conclusions.

Committee chair Jonathan Morgan AM said: “There is little doubt that transplant surgery can save lives and improve the quality of lives of those who benefit from it. There is also a pressing shortage of donors.“However, we need to make sure that the views of the public are heard. Any change to the law on organ donation must be fully thought through and take account of public concerns. “We would like to hear from as many people from as many parts of Wales as possible, which is why we are meeting in several different towns and cities across the country. I would urge everybody to come along to have your say on a matter that will affect everybody in the whole country.”

The meeting takes place at the Welsh Assembly Government Office in Rhydycar, Merthyr on 7 May from 9:00am until 11:00 am. Members of the public will be able to gain entry from 8:45 am. Tea and coffee will be available.It is not necessary to book in advance, but if you wish to be sure of a seat, please contact the Booking Line on 0845 010 5500 or e-mail assembly.bookings@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

We bought this teddy bear to put in Connor's coffin..it's his favourite toy now - Mirror.co.uk

We bought this teddy bear to put in Connor's coffin..it's his favourite toy now - Mirror.co.uk: "We bought this teddy bear to put in Connor's coffin..it's his favourite toy now

EXCLUSIVE BATTLING BABY WHO CHEATED DEATH TWICE BEST FOR REAL LIFE
By Kate Jackson 1/05/2008 Dail Mirror

If 'Blue Ted' looks a little bit tatty around the edges these days, it's only because of all the cuddles he has had as the much-loved companion of four-year-old Connor Owen."

Joy for Mark

Transplant tourist has kidney op - icWales click for full story

Now, after more than five years of waiting, the dad-of-two, from Porthcawl, has had a kidney transplant at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales.

Today, he said he hoped others wouldn’t have to go through the “horrendous” experience of trying to buy a kidney – and urged more people in South Wales to become donors.

Donor Cards Backing (from Tivyside Advertiser)

Donor Cards Backing (from Tivyside Advertiser)

Donor cards backing

PLANS to tackle the shortage of organ donors by introducing an EU-wide donor card are being backed by Wales Euro-MPs Eluned Morgan and Glenys Kinnock.

They are supporting a European Parliament report urging greater co-operation between EU countries to address the shortage of organ donors and crackdown on the illegal trade in the trafficking of organs.
Last year 16 people from Wales died while waiting for an organ transplant, and there are currently 474 people in Wales on the waiting list.

As well as an EU donor card, MEPs also want a European transplant hotline to provide rapid, relevant and accurate information.

Eluned Morgan added: "Despite robust legislation in many parts of the world, the international black market in organs is now well-established, coaxing desperate people to far-flung countries in search of a kidney or another organ.

Meet the donor who’s making a difference - icWales

Meet the donor who’s making a difference - icWales click for full article in Media Wales

Meet the donor who’s making a difference

Apr 12 2008

by Laura Wright, South Wales Echo
THIS week’s featured nominee for the Cardiff University People’s Fellowship Award is the first person in the UK to have four major organ transplants.

She was put on dialysis in hospital for 10 months, but was determined not to give up.

Wales ahead of the game in free health checks - icWales

Wales ahead of the game in free health checks - icWales

Praise where praise is due but we need more for prevention of kidney disease

Wales ahead of the game in free health checks
Apr 2 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail
WALES will not be following England’s idea to offer the over-40s free health checks.
The Welsh Assembly Government last night said screening is already provided for people at high risk of chronic diseases.
But it is exploring ways of strengthening existing screening for conditions such as cardiac disease, stroke and diabetes.
The English Health Secretary Alan Johnson yesterday announced that everyone aged 40 to 74 will be offered screening for illnesses that kill 170,000 people a year.
The check-ups are intended to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

New multi-million pound kidney unit to be opened in Carmarthen » Central government » 24dash.com

New multi-million pound kidney unit to be opened in Carmarthen » Central government » 24dash.com
Click


Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said: “Our recent Campaign highlighted the need for more world class renal facilities in Wales.“The new dialysis unit in Carmarthen underlines the Minister’s support to achieving this goal and it is hugely encouraging to see she is committed to improving the lives of those affected by kidney failure.

“We are committed to working with a Government which is prepared to work in partnership and not be afraid to be challenged.“We can then assist each other in delivery with a more patient focused approach. By doing so patients lives will be improved.”