PROPOSALS for a soft opt-out organ and tissue donation system in Scotland have been welcomed in Clackmannanshire.

Last week the Scottish Government announced plans to bring forward legislation to remove the need for people to become formal donors.

If approved, the framework would allow parts of a deceased adult’s body to be used in transplants without express permission.

However, the wishes of families and next of kin would continue to be respected, meaning removal of organs could not go ahead without their support.

Nevertheless, Lisa Hertwig, who underwent a double lung transplant at the end of last year, has hailed the move as a “step in the right direction”.

The Alloa woman, born with cystic fibrosis, has campaigned non-stop in a bid to raise awareness of organ donation and while excited about the changes, she would still like to see more education on the issue.

Lisa said: “I believe this new soft opt-out option for Scotland is a step in the right direction. 

“The same rules apply where people who are able to donate, their family members are asked by medical staff if they would like to consider organ donation. 

“However what I do feel may come from this is more people are made aware of organ donation and to consider it before such a difficult time comes.

“Scotland still has a long way to go in raising awareness and the importance of organ donation and I believe early education in areas like this at high school is very important and would be beneficial being included in the curriculum. 

“Adults and children have to be more aware of rights and choices they have that they may not know about. 

“I am very excited about the plan of a soft opt-out organ donation for Scotland. I hope it opens the doors to more people being given a second chance at life like I have.”

After waiting three years for her transplant, Lisa can now live a life as ordinary as anyone else and is also, for the first time, able to consider full-time work.

She added: “From little things to being able to stand up in the shower to a full night sleep without being attached to tubes, masks and oxygen, to dancing at a concert and seeing my cousins, nieces and nephews grow up. Life is beautiful.”

The Scottish Government has said the system will add to the package of measures already in place to increase donation.

In addition, work with stakeholders will continue to ensure changes do not sully the public’s trust in the NHS or the safety of organ donation.

MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, has said the decision to legislate for a soft opt-out system is “great news for our health service”.

He went on: “With the amazing help of donors and their families, NHS Scotland has already made great progress, including a 34 per cent increase in donors this past year alone. Scotland now has the highest donor rate in the UK.

“However, we can do better and moving to a soft opt-out system is a really important step towards further reducing the number of people in Clackmannanshire waiting for transplants.

“We should always keep in mind the tragic circumstances that give rise to organ donation and forever appreciate the selfless acts of donors and their families that enable others to live.

"Organ and tissue donation saves lives and is one of the greatest gifts a person can give.”