Randerson Welcomes Statement on Organ Donation

3.46.54pm GMT Wed 21st Nov 2007

Edwina Hart AM today announced a widening of dialysis to match the historical increase in demand and a national debate on presumed organ consent as well as a publicity campaign on donating organs. The Health Minsiter also announced that she was awaiting the business case for a specialist unit at the University Hospital, Wales.

Jenny Randerson AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement. Jenny has previously pressed for a legislative competence order on presumed organ consent and will be resubmitting the Legislative Competence Order at the next ballot.

"I was disappointed not to win the LCO ballot last time and get the chance to introduce presumed organ consent to Wales. About 21% of people in Wales are registered as organ donors but over 70% of the UK population have been shown to be willing to donate organs after death.

"This announcement will hopefully mean that my LCO will be unnecessary but I recognise that the argument will be a challenging one to win. It is essential we start a debate on presumed organ consent as this can only go ahead with widespread support."

"Over 400 people died in the UK in 2004 while on the transplant waiting list. It is very easy to say that we should do more promotional work but we have tried that for decades. It will be interesting to see how successful the campaign the Minister announced today will be.

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