Public views sought on organ donation opt out

Thursday 19 January 2017

Jersey's Health Minister has signalled a possible change in the way organ donations are treated, with Islanders being required to specifically "opt-out" if they don't want their organs to be used after they die.

At present, Islanders must "opt-in" to the organ donor register in advance if they wish to donate their organs.

But the Minister, Senator Andrew Green MBE, said that he, “…would support a change in approach in Jersey” and would bring a Proposition to the States Assembly if there was a public mandate. 

He said that the Department would adopt a “watch and learn approach” with regards to Wales’ 2015 move towards ‘presumed consent’ in which, “…it is effectively assumed you will donate your organs unless you actively opt otherwise.”

Scotland had also provided inspiration for the Island, having recently entered a 14-week consultation exercise regarding the introduction of a system akin to the Welsh model.

Pictured: Only card-carrying organ donors are eligible for donation as part of the UK's opt-in system, which is similar to Jersey's.

Before making a decisive move, however, Senator Green said that the Health Department will be launching their own investigations:

“While most of the voices I’ve heard are supportive of change, I am aware that some doubters may feel reluctant to express their reservations – after all the number of people in Jersey registered as organ donors is around 12% compared to a UK average of around 36%.

“I intend to gauge Islanders’ views on this issue I have agreed that my officers will work with the States Statistics Unit to produce a short questionnaire on the issue of organ donation. This way, a representative sample of Islanders views will be gauged and invited for their views on the broad issues surrounding organ donation. I’m hoping that this work, including the results, will be completed by early summer.”

Pictured: Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green MBE.

In the meantime, he said that the Department would continue to increase awareness of organ donation, going on to emphasise the benefits of getting involved.

“Losing a loved one can be a traumatic experience, but for many people the knowledge that organ donation is saving and transforming the lives of others can provide some comfort at a time of loss.

“I’m hoping that the very fact that I’m raising this issue today, could mean that more families will have conversations around the issue and that people’s wishes are therefore more likely to be known and acted on – whatever system is ultimately in place around organ donation.”