RCN surveys nurses’ views on organ donation consent

The RCN has launched a survey on consent for organ and tissue donation.

Nurses will be able to give their views in what is the first review of the college’s position on consent since 2009, when it supported the opt-in systems in place across the UK at the time.

The college has produced a briefing document to provide background information to members who want to complete the survey, which is open until 11 February.

Each of the four countries of the UK is able to make its own laws on consent for organ and tissue donation.

Law changed

In 2015, Wales introduced a soft opt-out system for organ and tissue donation from people aged 18 and over who die in Wales and had been normally resident there.

There have also been moves since 2009 to change the law in Northern Ireland and Scotland to opt-out systems.

Prime minster Theresa May told the Conservative Party conference in October that she wanted to see presumed consent introduced in England.

Plans are being debated in both England and Scotland to introduce opt-out systems for organ and tissue donation.

Members’ views

The percentage of the UK population that has opted in to the organ donor register was 36% at the end of last March, the briefing paper says.

RCN policy adviser Rachel Cackett said: ‘This is an issue that many people feel passionately about. Whatever your views, please do share them through the survey and make sure your voice is heard in our review.

‘All members’ views are important, regardless of how regularly they deal with these issues in their day-to-day work or where they live in the UK.’

Complete the survey here

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