A NEW transplant system which will require people to ‘opt out’ if they do not want to become donors after death will come into force in the autumn next year, the Scottish Government has said.

A public awareness campaign of at least 12 months will get under way shortly to ensure the public is aware of what the change means and what choices people will have.

Under the new ‘soft’ opt-out system, people will have the choice to opt in as a donor, opt out or do nothing, whereby their consent will be deemed.

However, the government has said the final decision will be subject to the safeguards contained in the legislation which seek to ensure that donation will not go ahead where it would be against the person’s wishes.

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It is likely that the awareness campaign will stress the importance of ensuring relatives members are aware of wishes around donation in a bid to help reduce family refusals.

The Evening Times led a six-year campaign calling for the change, which has led to increases in donation rates in other European countries, alongside other measures such as in increase in specialist nurses.

More than 500 people in Scotland are currently waiting for a transplant.

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Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: “Organ and tissue donation can be a life-changing gift.

“Evidence shows that opt-out systems can make a difference as part of a wider package of measures and this Act provides further opportunities to both save and improve lives. We will continue to work with key stakeholders and the NHS as we prepare for the introduction of opt-out in Autumn 2020 to ensure this legislation is implemented effectively.

“In Scotland there are an average of more than 500 people waiting for an organ transplant at any one time so it’s important that we do all we can to improve the lives of those on the waiting list.

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“I would encourage people to continue to make a decision about donation, record this on the NHS Organ Donor Register and discuss it with their family.”

In Scotland, 2.2 million people are on the NHS Organ Donor Register – 41 per cent of the population. This compares to 33 per cent of the population of the UK.

Wales introduced an opt-out system in December 2015. Under their system individuals can also opt to nominate a representative who will make the decision in the event of their death.