More time needed to assess long-term effectiveness of organ donation law
Responding to news this morning that Wales is leading the way in organ donations, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Health, Angela Burns AM, said:
“It is a welcome thing indeed to see an increase in the number of lives being saved by organ transplants.
“However, given the modest increase in the total numbers of deceased donors, it remains to be seen whether the opt-out system will be truly effective.
“It is important to bear in mind that the number of donations – whether from deceased or living donors – must be matched by sufficiently equipped critical care units, manned by the necessary numbers of specialist nurses, so that the whole process of saving lives in this critical way can be properly catered for.
“Deficits in investment and specialist training can all too often be a serious hindrance to successful outcomes for donor recipients.
“The Labour-led Welsh Government must ensure that investment in this area continues to keep pace with this rise.”
