Statement from NIKRF Chair: Opt-Out Donation Law Delay

Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is tremendously disappointed that the ‘opt-out’ Organ Donation bill will be delayed from taking effect this Spring. 

We are a local voluntary charity raising money for vital research into kidney disease here in Northern Ireland. We have a long history of supporting research at the renowned renal centre of excellence in the Belfast City Hospital. Kidneys are the only major organs transplanted here. We, along with many other organisation and charities, have tirelessly championed and campaigned for this very important bill which will save lives. This legislation will be life-changing for so many people who are waiting on organ donations or those on waiting lists. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where an opt-out system is not yet in place. We hope that this stalemate will be resolved very soon.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone eligible to register as an organ donor and to have the conversation with their families and loves to share their wishes so they can give the gift of life to others.

Susan Kee
NIKRF Chair