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09/07/2015
Health Minister Welcomes New NHS Organ Donor Register
A new NHS Organ Donor Register has launched today, 09 July.
The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
From 9 July 2015, a person will be able to register to be a donor, not to be a donor or record the details of up to two representatives, if they feel they would want someone to make that decision for them after death.
The changes to the Organ Donor Register do not change the organ donation process in Northern Ireland, which is based on opting in to being a donor, and donors' families giving consent for their organs to be used.
The new Organ Donor Register will hold all the existing registrations from the previous register so people who are already registered do not need to register again.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton said: "I welcome the launch of this new UK Organ Donor Register. Even if you are a registered donor, after your death your family will be asked if they agree to organ donation and any decision they make will be respected. When families or friends know your views on organ donation, it makes the decision much less difficult and gives them the confidence that they are following your wishes.
"There have been great improvements in organ donation in Northern Ireland in recent years, and the numbers of donors and transplants have risen dramatically in a short period of time. I am very grateful to the individuals and families who have shown courage and generosity in donating organs so that other lives can be saved."
(CD/LM)
The NHS Organ Donor Register has been in operation for more than 20 years and more than 619,000 people in Northern Ireland have signed up to it, 34% of the total population. Around 42% of the adult population are on the Organ Donor Register.
From 9 July 2015, a person will be able to register to be a donor, not to be a donor or record the details of up to two representatives, if they feel they would want someone to make that decision for them after death.
The changes to the Organ Donor Register do not change the organ donation process in Northern Ireland, which is based on opting in to being a donor, and donors' families giving consent for their organs to be used.
The new Organ Donor Register will hold all the existing registrations from the previous register so people who are already registered do not need to register again.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton said: "I welcome the launch of this new UK Organ Donor Register. Even if you are a registered donor, after your death your family will be asked if they agree to organ donation and any decision they make will be respected. When families or friends know your views on organ donation, it makes the decision much less difficult and gives them the confidence that they are following your wishes.
"There have been great improvements in organ donation in Northern Ireland in recent years, and the numbers of donors and transplants have risen dramatically in a short period of time. I am very grateful to the individuals and families who have shown courage and generosity in donating organs so that other lives can be saved."
(CD/LM)
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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.
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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.
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Around 200 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list and unfortunately around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ. Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, just 31% of the population here are on the organ donor register.
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Local people urged to join Organ Donor Register
People from across Northern Ireland are being asked to respond to a national challenge to add one million more ‘lifesavers’ to the NHS Organ Donor Register. The call comes at the start of an advertising campaign to mark the register’s 10th anniversary with the message ‘Life’s Amazing, Pass It On’.
Local people urged to join Organ Donor Register
People from across Northern Ireland are being asked to respond to a national challenge to add one million more ‘lifesavers’ to the NHS Organ Donor Register. The call comes at the start of an advertising campaign to mark the register’s 10th anniversary with the message ‘Life’s Amazing, Pass It On’.
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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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