‘Our loved one lives on in others’ – Organ donor family

A GREENHILLS girl was one of several organ donors who went to Leinster House last week for the launch of a new Bill that will transform the processes around organ donation.

Family consent will still be required under the new legislation for organ donation that will introduce a ‘soft opt-out register’, according to the Park West-based Irish Kidney Association (IKA).

The Human Tissue Bill was passed in the Dáil last week, which means that it will be assumed that everyone is a potential donor unless they register to opt-out.

Ally Whitston, six, from Greenhills, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from her dad David at age four, was in Leinster House when the Bill was passed.

The transplant followed two years of close to 13 hours of nightly dialysis that Ally had to endure from the age of two-and-a-half until she received her transplant.

The new register means more people will be assumed donors, but in cases where a person has recorded their decision not to donate on the opt-out register their decision will be respected and their families will not be approached.

Families will be consulted about organ donation if one of their relatives who has decided not to register to opt-out passes away and is a suitable candidate for organ donation.

Carol Moore, Chief Executive of the IKA, said: “It is crucial that there is an effective public information awareness campaign providing clarity about the new legislation and the vital role of families.

“Amidst the legislative changes, the decisions of families remain at the heart of the organ donation process.

“Therefore, the continued need for individuals to openly share their wishes regarding organ donation with their loved ones cannot be overstated.

“The key difference under the new legislation will be that rather than being asked to consent to organ donation, families will be asked if they know any reason why their loved one would not consent to organ donation for transplantation.

“Additionally, it is a positive development that the legislation will also provide for the introduction of altruistic living kidney donation in the State, addressing a significant gap in current practices and providing opportunities for those wishing to donate altruistically.”

Only around one per cent of people die in circumstances where organ donation may be possible, which means, in most cases, dying in an intensive care unit.

As a result, situations in which organ donation can be carried out are limited and the IKA is encouraging people to share their wishes with their family and register for an organ donor card.

You can download the organ donor card app or find out more about organ donation by visiting the IKA website HERE.

Ms Moore from the IKA added: “Organ donation can be a very positive legacy to leave your loved ones.

“To quote some donor families: ‘Organ donation was a bright light in a very dark time’ and ‘Our loved one lives on in others’.”