Human Tissue

The draft regulations aim to implement the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019, which sets up a new system of consent for organ and tissue donation known as 'deemed consent' or 'opt-out'. There are currently more than 5,000 people waiting for a transplant in England, with around 777 patients removed from the list last year due to illness and another 400 dying while waiting. The deemed consent system is set to become legal on 20 May and aims to increase organ donation rates and save lives by reducing human suffering. Public confidence has been built through three public consultations, and communications about the implementation date have already begun. The regulations specify organs and tissues that require express consent for novel transplants but allow routine transplants under deemed consent.

The speech acknowledges the importance of the debate on organ donation deemed consent regulations, appreciates the Minister's efforts during the coronavirus crisis, and thanks NHS and social care staff for their work. It discusses the impact of the pandemic on transplant numbers, raises questions about the mortality rate among patients waiting for transplants due to fewer available organs, and highlights inequalities faced by black, Asian or minority ethnic communities in organ donation. The speech supports the regulations but emphasises the need for a targeted awareness campaign aimed at BAME audiences developed with their involvement. It also mentions aiming for an 80% consent rate in England as per the Act's goal, welcomes additional clarifications on tissues from sexual and reproductive organs not subject to deemed consent, and seeks further details on rare and novel transplants. The speech concludes by addressing resource implications of an increase in transplant numbers and specialist nurse support.

Pays tribute to Geoffrey Robinson, acknowledges the NHS estimates that 3,544 people are awaiting a transplant in the UK today and emphasises that the new opt-out system will provide a lifeline for many. Acknowledges concerns about patient safety during the pandemic and seeks reassurances from the Minister on this matter. Emphasises the need to build awareness among ethnic minority communities regarding organ donation.

[Inaudible.]

The hon. Member Jim Shannon expressed his personal commitment to organ donation, mentioning his nephew's kidney replacement as a family experience. He highlighted that 65,000 people are being treated for kidney failure through dialysis or transplant and 4,737 patients are waiting for kidneys. He noted the potential of the new law to lead to an additional 700 transplants each year by 2030. Shannon also discussed economic benefits of transplantation over long-term dialysis treatments and emphasised the need for continued support for organ donation efforts during the pandemic.

Paid tribute to the constructive spirit with which the Government approached the Bill, thanked Geoffrey Robinson for his leadership and other parliamentarians who supported it. Emphasised Max Johnson's personal story and the impact of Keira Ball's donation on her family and others. Highlighted statistics about organ transplants in the UK, noting 400 deaths last year while waiting for a transplant. Acknowledged challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis but stressed the importance of the new opt-out system in saving lives and bringing people together.

Expressed appreciation for Dan Jarvis's contribution, wishing Max Johnson a long and healthy future.

Welcomed the debate participants, thanked them for their contributions, and reiterated the importance of increasing organ availability through the new legislation. Addressed specific concerns raised by other Members regarding patient safety, specialist nurse training, and addressing health inequalities in BAME communities. Acknowledged efforts to raise awareness within these communities and confirmed that resources will be provided for transplant units to resume operations post-pandemic.