Family of Belfast boy on heart transplant waiting list welcome major step towards organ donation law change announced by NI health minister Robin Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a major step towards a change in the laws around organ donation that would see people asked to ‘opt out’ rather than ‘opt in’ if they wish to donate their organs.
Belfast boy Daithi has been on the heart transplant waiting list for over two years. Here, he gives Santa Clause a high five alongside his mother Seph Ni MheallainBelfast boy Daithi has been on the heart transplant waiting list for over two years. Here, he gives Santa Clause a high five alongside his mother Seph Ni Mheallain
Belfast boy Daithi has been on the heart transplant waiting list for over two years. Here, he gives Santa Clause a high five alongside his mother Seph Ni Mheallain

Mr Swann has this morning launched a public consultation to seek the views of the public on the best way to introduce an opt out system.

The move has been welcomed by the family of four-year-old Belfast boy Daithi, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant for more than two years.

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His father, Mairtin Mac Gabhann, has been campaigning for the law change for some time.

“The launch of this consultation feels like the Christmas present we couldn’t have dreamed of when we started our campaign to introduce soft opt-out,” Mr Mac Gabhann said.

“We as a family have put our heart and soul into this campaign and have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community. It is hard to find the right words to describe our emotions right now, but all the late nights travelling for meetings and lobbying politicians, all over the country is starting to feel worth it, as we are seeing progress being made.

“We want to thank Health Minister Robin Swann for his support and to all the other politicians who have thrown their weight behind our campaign and got us to here today. The next steps is for the public to respond to the consultation and show that support for soft opt-out to help Dáithí and the other children and adults like him on the waiting list.”

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He made an appeal to the public, saying: ““Dáithí was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant in June 2018 and has remained on it since. I would urge everyone to have their say in the consultation, but most importantly, sign the Organ Donor Register and let your loved ones know your wishes. You never know when the need for an organ transplant might arrive at your door.”

Mr Swann said: “Whilst over 80% of the population supports organ donation, only 48% have recorded this decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“This means that the NHS Organ Donor Register is not truly representative of Northern Ireland’s population’s willingness to donate their organs and tissue after their death.

“On Organ Donation Discussion Day, I would urge everyone to have the conversation about donation with their families and friends and let your loved ones know how you feel about this vitally important issue. I would also encourage responses to the consultation to inform the proposed change in legislation.”

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A spokesperson for the Department of Health stressed that under the proposed law change, families would still be consulted and people will still have the right to choose not to donate organs.

“Under the proposed opt-out legislation, it is considered that everyone would be willing to donate their organs unless they have formally opted out,” the spokesperson said.

“The family would continue to be consulted about donation as well as considerations around faith and beliefs. This will not change.”