It's About Time public information campaign launched
Published by Debbie Baverstock on Tue, 20/05/2014 - 10:02
News release
Looking for someone to talk about organ donation in Wales?
As Wales gets ready to change its organ donation laws in 2015, it’s time we all get talking
The Welsh Government is calling on groups across Wales to request a ‘Time to Talk Organ Donation’ champion to visit their group meeting or event to talk about organ donation during National Transplant Week, 7-13 July 2014.
On 1 December 2015, the law will change around organ donation here in Wales, and a new soft opt-out organ donation system will be introduced. It’s hoped this change will help create the conditions for an increase in the number of organ donors.
To spread the word about the new law the Welsh Government is running a public information campaign – It’s About Time – that aims to educate and inform residents of Wales about organ donation in general and more specifically what the new changes will mean to them come 1st December 2015.
To support this, and as part of National Transplant Week, a series of It’s Time to Talk Organ Donation discussions will be held. Time to Talk Organ Donation Champions will be available to give a 30 minute talk on organ donation, free of charge, at group meetings and events all across Wales.
These talks will provide general information on organ donation and details of the new legislation. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about what our options will be when the new legislation comes in to force in Wales on 1 December 2015.
Kayleigh Old, Public Affairs Officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in Wales, said, “Whether or not people support the new organ donation legislation, which is coming into effect on 1 December 2015, it’s vital that everyone is aware of the impending changes to the law and understand their choices.
“I think inviting a Time to Talk champion along to a local group meeting or event will be a great way for members of the public to find out face to face more information regarding organ donation in general but also the new Welsh Government legislation. Not only will people be provided with all the most up-to-date information, but there will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topic.”
If you would like an Organ Donation Champion to speak at an event during National Transplant Week (7-13 July) please register your interest and suggested group meeting / event to the Welsh Government organ donation team by emailing organ.donation@wales.gsi.gov.uk.
The new system from 1 December 2015 will be an ‘opt-out’ system where the choices will be:
If you want to be a donor – either register your decision as now (this is known as opting in) or do nothing and be regarded as a donor (this is known as deemed consent)
If you don’t want to be a donor – register your decision (this is known as opting out)
For more information visit: www.organdonationwales.org.
ENDS
For further information contact Rhodri Owen at Cambrensis: Rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com / 02920 257 075.
