BHF comment
Date set for Max and Keira's Law
More people will receive life saving organ transplants as the Government confirmed that Max and Keira's law will be introduced from 20 May 2020.
Currently, England adheres to an opt-in system, whereas Wales already follows a system of deemed consent, also known as 'opt out'.
With the change in legislation, all adults will be presumed as a possible organ donor when they die, unless they have made a decision that they do not want to be a donor or are in an excluded group.
Jacob West, our Director of Healthcare Innovation, said:
“More than 300 people in the UK are waiting for a heart or a heart and lung transplant, not knowing when or if they will receive their new organ. Max and Keira’s Law is a life saving change in legislation that will offer hope to these people and their families.
“With the change in law, there’s no better time to discuss with your loved ones what you want to happen to your organs when you die. It’s not an easy conversation, but it could save somebody’s life.”
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the change in legislation could see up to 700 extra transplants each year by 2023.
The results from deemed consent in Wales have already shown to be positive, and, close to 80%, Wales now has the highest consent rates in the UK compared to England's 67%, said the DHSC.