Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs MLA has voiced his support to his party colleague Jo-anne Dobson’s private members bill on Organ donation, and has encouraged local people tio engage in the consultation stage of the bill.
Mr Beggs commented:
“Throughout East Antrim, people are on waiting lists for organ transplants. Many have to endure Renal Dialysis 3 times a week at hospital or more rarely at home. There is clearly a need to encourage more organ donation and Jo-anne’s proposed Bill is worthy attempts to increase donation rates by moving from the current opt in to a new opt out system of organ donation with appropriate family and other safeguards.
At this stage Jo-anne is putting her proposals out to public consultation until September. The public can get involved by filling in a simple online questionnaire at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ8DDZK alternatively the consultation booklet can be picked up at either of my two full time Advice Centres on North Road Carrickfergus, or Station road, Larne.
I fully support a change in the law. Eight of the 10 countries with the highest rate of transplants have opt-out legislation. This legislation could literally save lives.”
ENDS
