A CHARITY leader has urged the public to make their views known about plans to change Scotland's transplant system.

British Heart Foundation Scotland is backing Glasgow MSP Anne McTaggart's proposed Bill for an opt-out transplant system.

This means that the public would be able to register if they wish to donate organs or not after death.

The proposed Organ and Tissue Donation (Scotland) Bill is currently out for its 12-week consultation, after which the findings will be presented to the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill was sparked by the Evening Times' Opt for Life campaign, which is calling for the change.

Marjory Burns, director of the charity in Scotland, said: "We are supporting MSP Anne McTaggart's proposed Mem-ber's Bill that would change our system to one of soft opt-out.

"I believe that we now have a real chance to make this change happen.

"Some people have voiced concern that a soft opt-out system would deny them choices, but that's not the case at all. Individuals would still have the choice whether to donate or not and to have their wishes recorded.

"Making organ donation normal would encourage more people to speak to those closest to them about their wishes."

The director of the charity said the need for donor hearts is expected to rise as more people are surviving heart attacks.

She said: "Sadly, as a result, many survivors are living with heart failure, a debilitating condition that means the heart can't pump blood effectively. Please have a chat with your family about your thoughts and wishes over organ donation.

"This is a conversation that could save not just one life but several, because by becoming a donor you could save the lives of up to nine people."

In May MSPs unanimously backed a Scottish Parliament motion supporting the Evening Times' campaign an opt-out system.

Health Minister Michael Matheson said the Scottish Government was standing firm on a decision to await a review of the Welsh opt-out system - due to come into force next year.

However, his views were not supported by most MSPs, with only one politician, the SNP's Christine Grahame, voicing strong opposition.

MSPs have said they would support a free vote on the issue, which could raise the likelihood of legislation being passed, given the level of support among Scottish politicians.

There was a wide consensus among MSPs that moving to an opt-out system would make it easier for families to make the "agonising" decision on whether to agree to donation because it is more likely that their loved ones wishes will be known.

To find out more about Anne McTaggart's Bill, visit www.annemctaggart.co.uk

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk