A consultation on proposed changes to the Code of Practice for organ donation and transplant professionals in England has been launched today by the Human Tissue Authority.
The review of the guidance comes in response to the upcoming law change around organ donation, which will come into effect in England from spring 2020.
The consultation, which will run until Thursday 26 September at 5pm (a full 12 week consultation), provides an opportunity for all those working in the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation to inform the development of the revised Code.
With the move to deemed consent, the Code of Practice will be separated into two parts:
Part one: living organ donation (out of scope for the consultation)
This provides guidance on legislative requirements to clinicians working in living organ donation and transplantation and HTA Independent Assessors.
Part two: deceased organ and tissue donation
This provides guidance to Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation (SNODs), Tissue Donor Coordinators, and other professionals who seek consent for deceased organ and tissue donation.
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Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation, at NHS Blood and Transplant, says:
“Over recent months, we have been working hard to ensure that we are prepared for the new opt out system for organ donation which will be introduced in England from spring 2020.
We will continue to work closely with the Human Tissue Authority to ensure that this guidance covers all aspects of the process and gives assurance to both medical professionals and the wider public as to how the new system will work in practice. The principles of respect, dignity and support for the family at a time of personal loss, will remain at the heart of the organ donation process, just as they are now.
While our ongoing awareness campaign will continue to run up to and beyond the introduction of the new system next year, we urge everyone to have the conversation and ensure that they are aware of their relatives’ views. It is important that people know they will still have a choice and their family will still be approached if organ donation ever becomes a possibility.
For anyone still considering their decision or in need of further information about organ donation or the law change, we would urge them to visit our website or contact our helpline, in order to get their questions answered.”
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