"Discuss Organ Transplant Wishes" Says Plaid AM

Dr Dai Lloyd AM, Chair of the National Assembly's Health and Social Care Committee, has urged families across Wales to discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones.

Dr Lloyd makes his call at the start of Organ Donation Week, which runs from Monday September 5th to Sunday September 11th.

A long time campaigner on organ donation, Dr Lloyd was the first to propose a change in the law in Wales which resulted in the introduction of the 'opt-out' organ donation system.

Recent figures from the organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report showed that the number of patients in Wales whose lives were saved or improved by an organ transplant increased by 24% in the last year, but Dr Lloyd says there is more to do.

Dr Lloyd stated, "The evidence shows that the system of presumed consent is delivering more organ donations in Wales, and it is something that we should celebrate. It is great to see that the number of donors and transplant recipients in Wales is increasing, but there is still more to do. We know that some patients are still dying while waiting for a transplant, and this is something we can, and should, stop.

"I would urge families across Wales to use Organ Donation Week as a time to have those very serious and sensitive discussions, so that families are aware of their loved ones' organ donation wishes, in preparation for times of grief.

"By talking, and being clear in terms of our wishes on this matter, we can help to save countless more lives."