Father of boy waiting for heart transplant hails move to ‘opt-out’ organ donation system

The father of a three-year-old boy who needs a heart transplant has said he is “delighted” by the “first step” towards an opt-out organ donation system.
Three-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann needs a heart transplantThree-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann needs a heart transplant
Three-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann needs a heart transplant

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced his intention to hold a consultation on a move towards introducing a soft opt-out system here.

Mairtin Mac Gabhann, whose son Daithi was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and has already undergone a number of major surgeries, has been campaigning for the change for some time.

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An opt-out system, where those who do not wish to donate organs are required to register rather than those who do, is already in place in Wales and England, with Scotland set to follow suit later this year – meaning Northern Ireland could soon have become the only part of the UK relying on organ donors choosing to opt in.

But the health minister has now confirmed his intention to move towards an opt-in system, to the delight of Belfast boy Daithi’s family.

“I am totally delighted and it’s all down to the hard work that we’ve been doing over the last few years to get this change through,” doting dad Mairtin told the News Letter.

“It’s amazing. This is our victory. I’m putting this down to our hard work – we’ve been all over, to every political party, to every council, to everyone, to try and win support for this.

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“It’s not 100% over the line yet but this is a massive first step and we will keep the pressure on to make sure this goes ahead.”

While the proposed new rules won’t necessarily help little Daithi get the new heart he needs directly, his father is convinced it is the way forward.

“This is for over-18s but what this does is it puts organ donation out there,” he said. “It means that we have to speak about organ donation, educate about organ donation and it means that we each have to make a decision about organ donation. That alone, that awareness, can only help Daithi.”

Mr Swann said: “With many more people willing to consider donating an organ than are actually registered as donors, I have long believed that an opt-out system would be hugely beneficial and ultimately would save lives here.

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“It is therefore my intention to consult on policy proposals for the introduction of a soft opt-out system. This would bring us in line with the other countries in the UK.”

Fearghal McKinney, head of the British Heart Foundation in Northern Ireland, said his organisation praised the Mac Gabhann family’s “tireless” efforts in their campaign for the law change.

Kidney Care UK has described the announcement as “momentous”.

The charity’s Northern Ireland ambassador Jo-Ann Dobson added: “I thank minister Swann for his support and for taking this long awaited step on progressing this important issue. Organ donation is an issue which has and will always remain close to my heart. This move will increase the chances of receiving new life for people.”