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29/03/2023
Over 1m Register For Organ Donations
More than one million people in Northern Ireland have registered their decision to be considered a potential organ donor after death, according to the latest figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA).
According to the PHA, 90% of people in Northern Ireland support organ donation, so while over one million opt-ins are to be celebrated, it equates to 53% of the population, so there still exists a gap between intention and action.
Last May, the PHA launched a new 'Lifesaver' campaign to help raise awareness of the change in law, also known as Dáithí's Law. The campaign has helped to educate people on what the law-change means and the choices available to them, as well as to reinforce the importance of family conversations around donation decisions.
Aidan Dawson, CEO of the Public Health Agency, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see the continued support for organ donation here. Ahead of the new legislation coming into effect on 1 June, the Public Health Agency are continuing to educate people on the law change and to raise awareness of organ donation generally. Activity to date through our public information campaigns, and support from all our partners, is borne out in the rise we see in those registering as organ donors.
"A key message relates to the importance of family conversations. As very few of us will die in hospital, in circumstances where donation may be clinically possible, it is vitally important that our decisions are known. Should the worst happen, families can find the organ donation conversation much easier if they already know what their relative would have wanted. Only around half of families agree to organ donation going ahead if they don't know their loved ones' decision, but this rises to 9 out of 10 if the family has had a conversation or recorded their decision. As such, the NHS Organ Donor Register will continue to play an important role up to and after the change in law."
Last year in Northern Ireland, 55 families supported the gift of organ donation, which enabled 127 life-saving transplants across the UK. Organ donation is a most precious gift and the selfless act of donors and their families is at the heart of organ donation. 100 lives in Northern Ireland were saved and transformed through organ donation last year, however, there are around 156 people awaiting a transplant, waiting for the call to give them 'the gift of life'.
The new Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, when it comes into effect on 1 June, means in the event that organ donation is a possibility after you die, it will be deemed that all adults agree to being considered as an organ donor when they die unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group. The best way to opt out is by registering a decision not to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
As organ and tissue donation and transplantation saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year, the new law will help more people save more lives by making it easier for those who support organ donation to say 'yes' to giving the 'gift of life'.
Only 1% of people will die in circumstances where donation is possible, generally in hospital on a ventilator, which illustrates the shortage of organs and why every donation is precious. Sadly, last year in Northern Ireland 15 people died awaiting a transplant.
You can continue to register an opt-in decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register up to and after the law change. By doing so, you can proactively show your support for organ donation, giving loved ones the confidence and comfort to support your decision.
According to the PHA, 90% of people in Northern Ireland support organ donation, so while over one million opt-ins are to be celebrated, it equates to 53% of the population, so there still exists a gap between intention and action.
Last May, the PHA launched a new 'Lifesaver' campaign to help raise awareness of the change in law, also known as Dáithí's Law. The campaign has helped to educate people on what the law-change means and the choices available to them, as well as to reinforce the importance of family conversations around donation decisions.
Aidan Dawson, CEO of the Public Health Agency, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see the continued support for organ donation here. Ahead of the new legislation coming into effect on 1 June, the Public Health Agency are continuing to educate people on the law change and to raise awareness of organ donation generally. Activity to date through our public information campaigns, and support from all our partners, is borne out in the rise we see in those registering as organ donors.
"A key message relates to the importance of family conversations. As very few of us will die in hospital, in circumstances where donation may be clinically possible, it is vitally important that our decisions are known. Should the worst happen, families can find the organ donation conversation much easier if they already know what their relative would have wanted. Only around half of families agree to organ donation going ahead if they don't know their loved ones' decision, but this rises to 9 out of 10 if the family has had a conversation or recorded their decision. As such, the NHS Organ Donor Register will continue to play an important role up to and after the change in law."
Last year in Northern Ireland, 55 families supported the gift of organ donation, which enabled 127 life-saving transplants across the UK. Organ donation is a most precious gift and the selfless act of donors and their families is at the heart of organ donation. 100 lives in Northern Ireland were saved and transformed through organ donation last year, however, there are around 156 people awaiting a transplant, waiting for the call to give them 'the gift of life'.
The new Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, when it comes into effect on 1 June, means in the event that organ donation is a possibility after you die, it will be deemed that all adults agree to being considered as an organ donor when they die unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group. The best way to opt out is by registering a decision not to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
As organ and tissue donation and transplantation saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year, the new law will help more people save more lives by making it easier for those who support organ donation to say 'yes' to giving the 'gift of life'.
Only 1% of people will die in circumstances where donation is possible, generally in hospital on a ventilator, which illustrates the shortage of organs and why every donation is precious. Sadly, last year in Northern Ireland 15 people died awaiting a transplant.
You can continue to register an opt-in decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register up to and after the law change. By doing so, you can proactively show your support for organ donation, giving loved ones the confidence and comfort to support your decision.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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19 September 2023
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Families Urged To Talk About Organ Donation Choices
Families are being urged to talk openly about their organ donation wishes and to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
02 September 2019
Campaign Launches For More Organ Donors
Members of the public in Northern Ireland are being urged to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about organ donation this Organ Donation Week. Running from Monday 02 September, this year's theme is 'Words Save Lives', with the Department of Health and Public Health Agency appealing to everyone to have the conversation.
Campaign Launches For More Organ Donors
Members of the public in Northern Ireland are being urged to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about organ donation this Organ Donation Week. Running from Monday 02 September, this year's theme is 'Words Save Lives', with the Department of Health and Public Health Agency appealing to everyone to have the conversation.
21 September 2021
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
Health Minister Welcomes Progress On Organ Donation Bill
The Executive has agreed to the motion for the proposed changes to NI's organ donation rules. Welcome the progress of his Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today is another positive step forward in what has been a long journey for all involved in the organ donation process.
03 June 2024
Health Minister Marks First Anniversary Of Dáithi's Law
Marking the first anniversary of the introduction of Dáithi's Law, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the increase in the number of donors and families supporting organ donation. Saturday 1 June marked a year since the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 came into effect in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Marks First Anniversary Of Dáithi's Law
Marking the first anniversary of the introduction of Dáithi's Law, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the increase in the number of donors and families supporting organ donation. Saturday 1 June marked a year since the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 came into effect in Northern Ireland.
25 July 2001
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
Minister promotes new measures for organ donation
Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has revealed new measures aimed at encouraging greater awareness in Northern Ireland surrounding the issue of organ donation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
