Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the latest official figures showing an overall rise in general awareness of changes to the organ donation system.
An annual survey of more than 1,000 people also shows an increase in support for the new opt-out organ donation legislation which will come into force in Wales on 1 December 2015.
In July, an historic vote was passed in the National Assembly for Wales as AMs voted in favour of introducing a system of presumed consent for organ donation in a bid to drive up the number of donors. Under the new law, adults who live and die in Wales will be deemed to have given their consent to donation unless they register a decision to be a donor (opt in) or register a decision not to be a donor (opt out).
This latest survey asked residents in Wales whether they were in favour of, or against, a change in the organ donation system, or whether they needed more information to decide.
The figures for North Wales are positive. In 2012, the region had the highest proportion of respondents in favour of the new organ donation system across all areas in Wales at 57%. This figure has now increased to 65% in favour in 2013.
Across Wales, the proportion of respondents in favour increased significantly from 49% in 2012 to 61% in 2013 whilst for the same period, the proportion against the change in the law for organ donation decreased from 22% in to 17%.
Lesley Griffiths AM commented:
“The Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed by the National Assembly for Wales.”
“Organ donation saves lives and the new law will help increase the number of people in Wales on the donor register.”
“The Welsh Government purposely ensured there was an ample period to time before the new legislation comes into effect. A two year publicity campaign is taking place, raising awareness of the changes and the choices the Welsh public have.”
“There is still a long way to go but early indications are positive and it is vital the Welsh Government continues to engage, inform and communicate with the general public.”
