§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to investigate methods of addressing the shortage of human donor organs other than by the use of transgenic pigs; what his policy is on an opt-out donor card; and if he will make a statement. [100705]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Organ Donor Publicity Campaign was launched in October 1998 and was reinforced in February by a campaign targeting the South Asian community. We shall continue to build on these campaigns to encourage people to join the National Health Service Organ Donor Register, to carry the Donor Card at all times and most importantly make their wishes known to their family and friends.
We shall be developing a further campaign to inform the medical profession about best practice in requesting organ donation. Additionally, in line with the drive to improve the quality of care for all users of the NHS, we shall seek to ensure that best practice is adopted in all units involved in donation and transplantation. We shall also support best practice in live donation, which has increased significantly over the last few years.
While there is some support for an opt-out system of donation, the medical profession is divided and there are still many people who are not in favour of it. A survey 252W undertaken this year has shown that there is still significantly more public support for the current system of donation than for opt-out.
We will continue to keep an open mind on all options for increasing donation rates. However, before introducing any measure aimed at increasing the supply of organs we would have to be sure that it commands public confidence.