Max and Keira's law: New 'opt-out' organ donor system to be introduced on 20 May, government plans

The new "opt-out" system for organ donation will be implemented in England in less than eight weeks' time under government plans.

Ministers want the overhaul of organ donation registration to be introduced from 20 May, in the hope of seeing hundreds of extra transplants each year.

Parliament last year passed legislation to change the system of organ donation in England from "opt-in" to "opt-out".

It means that all adults in England will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die, unless they have specifically stated they do not want to be a donor.

The government will on Tuesday ask MPs to approve their proposed date of 20 May for the introduction of the new system.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Too many people lose their lives waiting for an organ, and I've been determined to do what I can to boost organ donation rates.

"So I'm incredibly proud of the action we are taking with this new law.

"This is an important step forward in making organ donation easier and more available to those who need it and could help save hundreds of lives every year."

The legislation passed last year was known as "Max and Keira's law" in honour of Max Johnson, a nine-year-old boy who received a heart transplant, and Keira Ball, the nine-year-old girl who donated it.

Keira died in a car accident in 2017 and her father Joe has since said of her donation: "She had the kindest heart and was the most thoughtful person.

"I knew she would have wanted to help make other people better."

Max and his family have been campaigners in favour of the change to the "opt-out" system for organ donation.

After the government announced plans for the legislation, which they said would be known as "Max's law", Max said he wanted Keira's name to added.

There are 5,200 people in England waiting for a life-saving, or life-enhancing, transplant.

The government hopes the law change could see up to 700 extra transplants each year by 2023.

Wales' introduction of an opt-out system is estimated to have increased the number of donors since it was introduced in December 2015.

A campaign to inform the public of the law change will be led by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHSBT, said: "We hope that the new law encourages more people to record their donation decision and talk about organ donation with their families.

"It is important for people to know that they can do this at any time before or after the law comes into effect.

"There is no deadline for making your donation decision.

"We are encouraged that almost two-thirds of people in England are now aware that the law is changing, but we would like this figure to be even higher by the time the law changes.

"The majority of people tell us that they support organ donation in principle, yet only around four in 10 have actually registered their decision.

"Organ donation is and always will be a precious gift and if more people are inspired to support and agree to donation, then many more lives can be saved."

A decision on organ donation can be recorded on the NHS organ donor register website.

It is also possible to tell a friend or family member or record it in writing.