Scottish organ donation pilot for cardiac arrest patients launched

A pilot programme is being launched in Scotland that will make it possible for people to donate their organs in the event of their death by cardiac arrest.

Currently, organ donation is not permitted for people who cannot be resuscitated after suffering a cardiac arrest in the community, even when they have previously expressed a wish to do so.

The new NHS Lothian pilot will make this possible for the first time, with loved ones to be consulted on the proposed donation before it takes place.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said: "It can be a source of comfort to the family to be able to respect the wishes of their loved ones who have made their organ donation wishes known by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register."

Just under 50 percent of the population of Lothian are signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register, meaning the region has the highest percentage of prospective organ donors in Scotland.

Across the UK, this rate stands at only 31 percent, which is contributing to a lack of available organs for transplant.