Letter: Organ donation: a national databank could lead to uninformed consent

Sir: As one of those blessed with the good fortune of receiving a kidney transplant (at Bart's, in February 1992), I would like to thank you for the prominent coverage you gave to the Government's proposal for a national organ donor register.

Making a decision about whether or not to donate one's organs after death should be a decision we should all feel free to make. It is not an easy decision - who, when alive and well, wants to think about death? But having made a decision, it makes sense to have the information registered so that it can be assessed by medical staff when needed.

Unfortunately, as your articles showed, the present donor card system is not effective enough in identifying potential donors, and the final decision often falls on relatives at a time when they are least able to cope.

Receiving my kidney was for me a life-changing event, and I am truly grateful for the gift I received. It improved my quality of life immeasurably. I can only say that anyone who does decide to register themselves as a potential organ donor is taking a very positive decision towards improving the lives of others.

Yours faithfully,

ARLENE FOSTER

London, E14