A COVENTRY MP is confident his plans for an opt-out organ donation system will ‘save hundreds of lives’ every year as the government says it could be in place by 2020.
The opt-out system would mean UK citizens will be assumed organ donors until they or family members say otherwise.
The Coventry North West Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson praised the ‘unprecedented’ public consultation launched by the government in response to his proposals.
Mr Robinson said it was the most popular consultation in UK history with almost 17,000 responses.
He also said it revealed high levels of support for the system.
Government figures have in the past suggested around 700 lives would be saved every year if the bill was enacted.
And around 5,100 people in England were waiting for a transplant at the end of March this year.
Mr Robinson brought the private members’ bill to parliament in February and it has now reached the committee stage.
It is expected to be debated in the House of Commons next month.
Mr Robinson said: “I am much encouraged by the outcome of the public consultation exercise, unprecedented in its participation, which has shown a very high level of support for organ donation.
“Saving lives is my sole motivation in changing the law and that’s why I’m so pleased with the work the Department of Health is undertaking to improve the NHS Organ Donor Register.”
But a recent study by Queen Mary University in London suggested the new bill will not increase the number of organs available.
It says problems could arise because grieving relatives could be less sure about their loved one’s wishes if a preference had not been actively made clear by the person prior to death.
But Mr Robinson said the bill being passed would spark conversations about the matter – and he has called for increased investment in public awareness.
His team has indicated the provisional cost of introducing the scheme over four years would be around £18million.
Wales already has an opt-out system but it has not yet prompted an increase in donations.
Mr Robinson added: “The NHS Blood and Transplant have made it clear to me and to the government there must be new investment and a transition period to ensure the system is successfully introduced.
“It is important it retains the confidence the general public has in the presently operated system.
“It will also be important to see an increase not only in surgeons but specialist nurses, counselling and facilities.
“My bill is backed by leaders of all main parties and was passed at second reading without dissent.
“We are hopeful of a similar passage at committee and all further stages in the Commons and the Lords.”
