Importance of Transplant Week

Local MLA Jo-Anne Dobson knows only too well the lifesaving importance of organ transplants

Mrs Dobson is highlighting this year’s annual National Transplant Week which will be held from July 8-14.

Jo-Anne Dobson who is consulting on changing Organ Donation Laws with her son Mark who had a successful kidney transplant in 2009.

placeholder image — Jo-Anne Dobson who is consulting on changing Organ Donation Laws with her son Mark who had a successful kidney transplant in 2009.

This year’s week has the tag line “Have you spoken to your family about Donation” relating to the importance of making sure you family know your wishes.

Mrs Dobson’s Bill at the Assembly to move to an Opt-Out system of organ donation for Northern Ireland is currently open to consultation.

She said: “Organ Donation is one of those topics that people so often don’t get around to discussing with their nearest and dearest.

“Surveys have consistently shown over 90% support for Organ Donation, but year on year we never seem to break through the barrier of 30% of people signing onto the organ donor register.

“That is why I am proposing to change the law in Northern Ireland, following the lead taken by the Welsh Assembly last week, to move to an Opt-Out system with appropriate family safeguards.

“None of us know when we will need to call on the selfless generosity of others and I urge everyone to take part in my Consultation, to take few minutes to help change the law and save lives.”

The consultation is available through Mrs Dobson’s Banbridge Constituency Office and online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ8DDZK