Kidney Wales today welcomed Royal Assent for the Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill.
Kidney Wales Roy J .Thomas who was present at the affixing the seal by the First Minister Carwyn Jones and Health Minister Mark Drakeford.
Roy J Thomas said “It has been a long journey and it is very good law. It received proper consultation and first class scrutiny all the way through. It gives hope to all those waiting for a transplant, not only those on the list but those who fear chronic organ failure and who may need a transplant. “
He added “ I am proud that we were at the forefront of making our views known and we thank all those involved from all political parties and especially the Bill Team and the Government for getting us through over the line. The debate was detailed and produced an Act which the Assembly and Wales can be proud and will now be a marker for other parts of the UK .”
Notes on the early days
1. Kidney Wales put a petition to the Assembly on July 11th 2007 with Officers of Kidney Wales and new Kidney Wales ambassador Allison John from West Wales who spoke of her own heart, lung ,liver and then recent kidney transplant and the need for organ donation she stated “ I urge the people of Wales to register on the NHS organ donor register. My kidney transplant from my father 8 months ago saved me from dialysis and has given me a new lease of life.” Allison is now a qualified doctor.
2. The first meeting promoted by Kidney Wales on Opt Out was a success in September 2007. After the meeting with leading politicians from across all parties the Minister Edwina Hart on 22 of September 2007 said that she would reply to the report and will also look at other areas such as a public consultation on presumed consent. Others who attended included Kidney Wales Patients from the Kidney Wales Children’s Centre, BMA, APE Renal Committee, Patients from all parts of Wales, Carers and Donor Families.
3. The Kidney Wales Foundation made representations and welcomed the Government’s announcement in October 22 2008 for a series of debates to gather public opinion on whether Wales should introduce a system of presumed consent . Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation and Donate Wales Campaign, said: “We know that a large percentage of people in Wales support organ donation, yet there remains a desperate shortage of donors. “
4. Kidney Wales has always believed in the introduction of a system of presumed consent and has campaigned since July 2007 , with the general public’s support.Kidney Wales today welcomed Royal Assent for the Human Transplantation (Wales) Bill.
Kidney Wales Roy J .Thomas who was present at the affixing the seal by the First Minister Carwyn Jones and Health Minister Mark Drakeford.
Roy J Thomas said