An opt-out system for Organ Donation - what do you think? Make your voice heard at an event near you!
The Welsh Government is committed to continuing efforts to increase organ donation rates. As well as continuing the implementation of the UK Organ Donation Taskforce recommendations, the Welsh Government will also be introducing an Organ Donation Bill.
The Organ Donation Bill would create an opt-out system of organ donation. This means that unless an individual makes an objection their organs and tissues will be available for donation after their death.
On 8th November 2011, the Welsh Government released a White Paper detailing the above intentions. A Bill will be introduced in 2012, legislation could be in place by 2013 and a soft opt-out system could come into effect in 2015. The White Paper sets out proposals for how the system would work including:
- only people aged 18 or over who both live and die in Wales would be included under the system;
- individuals must have lived in Wales for a sufficient period of time before being included in an opt-out system – the White Paper invites views on how long that period should be;
- proposing four options for how people’s wishes on donation could be recorded – including keeping a register of both those who have objected and not objected, or keeping no register of objection.
More information on the proposals (including the paper itself and a response form) can be obtained from the Organ Donation website on http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/healthsocialcare/organ/?lang=en
The Welsh Government want to engage with the public on a face-to-face basis to hear their views. On behalf of the Welsh Government, the Board of CHCs in Wales has booked several consultation events which will take place across Wales. The event details are listed below:
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION | Hearing Support* |
| Wednesday 16th November | 18.00 – 19.30 | PORT TALBOT – Aberavon Beach Hotel, Princess Way, Aberavon, SA12 6QP | |
| Thursday 17th November | 17.00 – 18.30 | MERTHYR TYDFIL – Merthyr Rugby Club. The Clubhouse, Dynevor Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1BA. | |
| Thursday 17th November | 19.30 – 21.00 | CWMBRAN – Green Meadows Golf & Country Club, Treherbert Road, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, NP44 2BX. | |
| Thursday 24th November | 18.00 – 19.30 | LLANDRINDOD WELLS. The Pavilion, Spa Road, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5EY | |
| Monday 5th December | 18.00 – 19.30 | WEST WALES – Nantyffin Hotel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen, Pembs SA66, 7SU | |
| Tuesday 6th December | 18.00 – 19.30 | ABERYSTWYTH Llety Park Lodge Hotel. Parc Y Llyn, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3TL | Signing & palantypist Support |
| Thursday 8th December | 17.30 – 19.00 | BANGOR Neuadd Reichel, Bangor University, Ffriddoedd Rd, Bangor, LL57 2TR | |
| Tuesday 13th December | 17.00 – 18.30 | BARRY Barry Memorial Hall, Gladstone Rd, Barry, S. Glam. CF62 8NA | |
| Tuesday 13th December | 19.30 – 21.00 | CARDIFF Sports Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9SW | Signing & Palantypist support |
| Tuesday 20th December | 17.30 – 19.00 | WREXHAM Glyndwr University, Plas Coch Site, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AQ | Signing & Palantypist support |
| FURTHER EVENTS CONFIRMED FOR JANUARY 2012 | |||
| Tuesday 17th January 2012 | 18:30 - 20:00 | SWANSEA Deganwy Room, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea SA1 4PE | |
| Wednesday 18th January 2012 | 18:30 - 20:00 | NEWPORT The Loft Room, Newport Centre, Newport NP20 1UH | |
| Wednesday 25th January 2012 | 18:30 - 20:00 | LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno LL30 1BB |
(Palantype support and/or British Sign Language interpreters will be available on request and subject to availability)
If you are interested in attending any of the above events, please contact the Board of CHCs in Wales’ Office on 0845 644 7814 or enquiries@waleschc.org.uk and we will register your interest.Make your voice heard!