This Organ and Tissue Donation Week, people are being encouraged to leave no doubt when it comes to their donation decision.
In Scotland, everyone has a choice when it comes to organ and tissue donation – to be a donor, or to opt out.
In Scotland, everyone aged 16 and over is part of an opt-out system for organ and tissue donation. This means that if you die in circumstances where donation is possible and you haven’t recorded a decision, it is assumed you agree to be a donor, unless you are in a group for whom the opt-out system does not apply, or it would be against your views.
Scotland’s opt-out system has been in place since March 2021, but recent research shows that understanding and support for the system has declined significantly. The Scottish Government is urging everyone to take two steps: record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your loved ones what that decision is.
This year, Organ and Tissue Donation Week (21–27 September) falls at exactly the same time as National Eye Health Week, shining a spotlight on corneal donation in particular. There is currently a shortage of donor corneas in Scotland, and waiting lists are long. Recording your decision could give someone else the gift of sight.
Visit www.organdonation.scot to register your decision and find out more.
