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A new approach to organ donation in England

From 20 May 2020 organ donation in England switched to an ‘opt-out’ system.  If you do not want to donate your organs you now must register this. Otherwise, in the event of your death, you will be considered as a candidate for organ donation. 

There are around 6000 people currently waiting for a transplant in the UK and last year 400 people died whilst waiting for a transplant.  You may have heard this change being referred to as ‘Max and Keira’s Law’.

This new approach affects everyone in England except: 

  • Children under the age of 18
  • People who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes
  • People who have not lived in England for at least 12 months before death
  • People who are visiting England

There will be strict safeguarding guidelines in place and specialist nurses will always discuss donation with families to ensure individual wishes and beliefs are respected.


How can I make my wishes about organ donation known?

People are still encouraged to make their own choice about organ donation.   If you would like to donate your organs, you can still register to do this on the NHS Organ Donation Register. 

If you do not wish to donate your organs, you must register this choice on the NHS Organ Donation Register.

If you do not register, you will be considered to have agreed to donation.

The register can be found here


How does this impact on my Will?

We recommend adding your wishes to your Will to ensure your family members and executors are aware of these.  If you haven’t reviewed your Will recently, this might be a good reason to do so.  And if you don’t have one, making a Will doesn’t have to be complicated and once done gives you peace of mind.  Our team can help.

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