Organ donation: 'Important' that codes of practice are right before opt-out system introduced

Consultation forthcoming as Island moves from 'opt-in' to 'opt-out'

The cabinet office minister says it's important that the codes of practice associated with an opt-out system for organ donation are carefully considered.

The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Bill - also known as 'Daniel's Law' - is due to enter into the public consultation phase.

It received Royal Assent in July 2021 but several years have been spent on secondary legislation.

David Ashford told Manx Radio these things take time:

The opt-out system is due to be implemented by July this year with the first annual report to be prepared and presented to Tynwald 12 months later.

It will replace the current opt-in practice where authorisation is required for body parts to be donated.

The Organ Donation Bill was originally introduced in memory of Daniel Boyde a local resident who became an organ donor after a fatal car accident.

His parents agreed to donate his heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys - they went to four different people, three of whom are still alive today.

Daniel's mother, Diane, dedicated her time to helping change the lives of others through her campaign to increase awareness and understanding about organ donation in the Isle of Man.

If someone doesn't want to donate when the bill comes into practice then they can record their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.