THE news that changing the law on organ donation will save the NHS millions of pounds will be welcome by staff and patients alike.

In a time of scarce resources saving the cash being spent on dialysis and treatment for kidney patients, if they have a successful transplant, could be used in other areas.

However, it is not about the money. That cost-saving element is purely a bonus from a policy that Scotland should now be adopting.

The real saving is in lives. The lives of those who would otherwise die while waiting for an suitable organ that never comes.

MSPs will get the chance when the Scottish Parliament returns to scrutinise the proposed legislation to switch to a soft opt out system.

They will be able to hear the pros and cons and take evidence form the many experts who will argue this has the potential to increase the number of available organs.

While the number of registered donors in Scotland has increased the number of available organs has fallen.

It is actual organs rather than registered potential donors that counts when surgeons perform life changing transplants.

While campaigns to get more people on the organ donation register are welcome opt out has the potential to increase the number of organs.

The MSPs will have the opportunity to make their decision.

In this case, for many people, it is a matter of life and death.