We have to understand the plight of people on organ dialysis who have a very difficult quality of life which could be transformed by giving them an organ. The BMA supports presumed consent, although the Royal College of Nursing does not. Single law The Transplant Partnership wants a single piece of legislation to cover not only the giving and taking of organs from the bodies of those who have suffered brain stem death, but also those whose heart has stopped during treatment, and living people who want to donate a part of their liver, or a kidney, to a close relation. It wants the strict tests doctors must carry out before asking to remove organs to be enshrined in law. Organs which could be used to help people are being wasted.
Urgent action is needed.
Professor Sir Peter Morris, vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, told the meeting that transplantation technology was constantly improving.