Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
On 8 March 2012, I published a summary of the responses to the consultation on our White Paper regarding proposals for legislation on organ and tissue donation.
Today, I am releasing the list of the 1,234 respondents as an Annex to that summary and also publishing the responses we received. We have protected the anonymity of all respondents who requested it and are withholding one response at the request of the respondent.
I am also publishing qualitative research conducted by Beaufort Research Ltd to support the consultation. The researchers held six focus groups across Wales and, in addition, carried out seven in-depth interviews in order to explore attitudes towards organ donation and the Welsh Government’s proposals for legislation. The researchers were asked to ensure a range of ages was included within the focus groups and also quotas were set in order to ensure participation from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
I am pleased to note the broad support for organ donation amongst the focus group participants. Generally, people found it easier to argue for our opt-out proposals than against. Whilst noting this is qualitative research with a small sample, it is consistent with what we know from wider surveys of opinion.
At the same time the research illustrates how we need to raise awareness of the organ donation process in general and also of our proposals for an opt-out system. Good communications is vital. We are committed to a phased public awareness campaign in the two year lead in between the passage of the legislation in the Assembly and full implementation of the opt-out system. With this in mind, I plan to publish a Draft Bill for further consultation on the Welsh Government’s approach in June 2012.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.