Organ Donation

[Daffs]

I just saw on the news that Gordon Brown is backing a revision to organ donation in that everyone will become a registered organ donor unless they specifically opt out (currently you have to opt in by signing up).

What do you think about this proposed change? It said on the news that a poll says 90% of people agree with organ donation yet only 25% register to become a donor and the new proposal could save thousands of lives a year.

I have already registered but I would support this.

[Katiequiggle]

Oh yes me too, I'm a doner, they can have the lot, I wont need it.

[duck_egg]

I would gladly be a donor, I used to carry a card but have no idea where it is now! The only thing I'd like to keep is my eyes.

[shazgh]

Ditto, I am on the register and they can take the lot, I won't need them.

I agree lots of people agree and don't sign up and sooo many lives can be saved or improved with organ donation

[ruthie]

Don't know I am not a donor , what guarentee is there that if you opt out your name will be taken off the register?

[Sarah]

We are all registered and I think this is a great move and has been too long in coming!

[Rainbowwitch]

This is something I do agree with Gordon Brown on, I know it must be difficult when a love one dies and you might feel its part of them - but just think of all the goodness in saving someone elses life.

I to am on the registered to give my organs. I used to give blood, but after a bout of nearly fainting I gave up.

[Easties]

I would gladly be a donor, I used to carry a card but have no idea where it is now! The only thing I'd like to keep is my eyes.
Im the same i would have to keep my eyes lol

Im not sure how i would feel with my kids being donors i dont think iw ould like it untill they are old enough to decide for theirselves

[Headbanging Vonnie]

I think its a good idea because I'm sure there are loads of people out there like me who have every intention of donating but just keep forgetting to register.2006sorry

[Olive_Oil]

i think its excellent! :clapping: Im a donor and would gladly let them have all of me - eyes and all! :yes:

[ruthie]

I just have this great fear that if they know you are going to donate then they won't try everything in their power to keep you alive, I realise its rather irrational but it scares me.

[Jen]

think its a brill idea, they can do with me what they wont when I'm gone.

[shazgh]

I just have this great fear that if they know you are going to donate then they won't try everything in their power to keep you alive, I realise its rather irrational but it scares me.
I don't think you are being irrational, if you have a genuine fear about something.

But wanted to tell you one of the reasons I left working in intensive care was the fact that about 70% of our patients were alcoholics, drug abusers etc. and everything in the NHS power is done to keep them alive, they are no use to society alive and their organs are no use when they are dead. Organ donation doesn't come into it until the final stages. In my 5 years there ONLY ONCE did we have someone suitable and family agreed to donate, it is a drop in the ocean as to what is needed.

[Easties]

How can you say that an alcoholic or drug user is no use to society alive ? They are still someones relative

[shazgh]

How can you say that an alcoholic or drug user is no use to society alive ? They are still someones relative
Point taken maybe that sounded insensitive, I was referring to the chronic alcoholics and addicts that don't function particularly well on a daily basis and refuse all offers of support and rehabilitation, many of whom are estranged from their family due to their way of life, many of them were in with us on a regular basis, some of the drug addicts would be admitted to hospital 100+ times a year with abcesses, various infections (they are a drain on our national health service and many of them have never contributed)
A night in A&E would be an eyeopener to many people.

[Girlzmum]

Shaz, I've seen things from both sides of the fence here - I work in A&E but I also have relatives who are alcoholics (my dad and granny included)
It is bloody hard when you treat patients, who come in drunk and abusive, you know that they will be coming back repeatedly until they die. You see how much further they have slipped every time they come in yet you know they will refuse help and it is so frustrating.
I know what it is like to live with someone in your life who repeatedly chooses drink over your relationship, it is a devastating experience for anyone to have to go through. However I wouldn't say that they are of no use to society - no matter what they have done they are still my family.

[shazgh]

Shaz, I've seen things from both sides of the fence here - I work in A&E but I also have relatives who are alcoholics (my dad and granny included)
It is bloody hard when you treat patients, who come in drunk and abusive, you know that they will be coming back repeatedly until they die. You see how much further they have slipped every time they come in yet you know they will refuse help and it is so frustrating.
I know what it is like to live with someone in your life who repeatedly chooses drink over your relationship, it is a devastating experience for anyone to have to go through. However I wouldn't say that they are of no use to society - no matter what they have done they are still my family.
I understand and I speak from personal experience too. It is such a destruction in your personal life and I am not just speaking from a nurse point of view and my opinions never affect the quality of care I provide. Many relatives are simply relieved as they can start living again.
Point I am trying to make is no-one is ever looked at for their organs regardless of their way of life.
The tangent we are going in is another thread I think.

[JudeVFR400]

If anything of mine is of use (I've MS and am on various medications), they are welcome to it. It is a strange thing to think about, but if it becomes a normal thing that happens, then it will be easier for the family in some ways maybe. They don't have to face making a dreadful decision at a time when they aren't able to consider what is the best thing to do, and what their dying loved one actually wanted to happen. The decision is already made for them. I would hope that in years to come it would be some comfort to think that at least there is someone out there whose life has been made better by their family's sadness.

And people can still opt out if they really feel they must.

[funkyfish]

I would not opt out but I am not entirely comfortable with the idea.

[kybirkin]

I have to say with everything my friend os going through at the moment waiting for a transplant for her husband (anyone got a spare kidney??) I fully agree with what Gordon Brown has proposed - well there is a first time for everything!
I am a registered donor and an ex nurse and I can vouch for what the others have said - everything is done that is possible to save you and it would only be when there is no chance of survival that the option of donation is approached and believe me that is very hard to do even if they have carried a card!

[ruthie]

I have to say with everything my friend os going through at the moment waiting for a transplant for her husband (anyone got a spare kidney??) I fully agree with what Gordon Brown has proposed - well there is a first time for everything!
I am a registered donor and an ex nurse and I can vouch for what the others have said - everything is done that is possible to save you and it would only be when there is no chance of survival that the option of donation is approached and believe me that is very hard to do even if they have carried a card!

Thing is I've seen that side of it too my niece had a transplant a few months ago and I know what a lifeline it is but it doesn't make me feel any less worried.