The new approach to organ and tissue donation in England: government response to public consultation

The new approach to organ and tissue donation in England: government response to public consultation This consultation outcome document details the Department of Health and Social Care's analysis of the 17,000 consultation responses. It outlines the government’s plans to implement a new system of consent for organ and tissue donation in order to tackle a shortage of donors. This will mean everyone is considered an organ donor unless they have explicitly recorded a wish not to be or they are from one of these excluded groups: children under 18; individuals who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes; people who have not lived in England for at least 12 months before their death. The donor register will include an option for individuals to state important religious and cultural beliefs to ensure these are respected. There will also be strict safeguards in place and specialist nurses will always discuss donation with families so an individual’s wishes are respected.