The Irish Thoracic Society (ITS) warmly welcomes the publication today of the Human Tissue Bill, especially the provision for the introduction of a soft-opt out organ donation consent system.
The Irish Thoracic Society has campaigned with member organisations of the Irish Donor Network for a soft opt-out organ donation system and we look forward to the benefits this legislation will bring in time. We urge the Government, Department of Health and the HSE to commit adequate resources and investment in infrastructure and personnel to ensure that organ donation and transplantation services in Ireland are maximised to their full potential.
The Bill provides a national legislative framework for the operation of donation and transplant services in Ireland. Many members of the Irish Thoracic Society, respiratory healthcare professionals, look after patients awaiting lung transplantation, a vitally important therapy for patients with advanced lung disease. Lung transplantation is a life-extending and transformative treatment for patients with conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, COPD and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.