The Kidney Foundation of Canada says it’s always enthusiastic about any initiative that increases discussion about organ donation.
Nova Scotia has announced it will introduce a presumed consent system in which residents would have to opt-out if they choose not to donate organs.
Atlantic executive director Trina Ralph says the new system will take about a year to implement.
“To ensure there are enough transplant surgeons to handle increased demand. (To make sure) there are enough transplant coordinators – they are education providers who can educate both the general public and other teams throughout the hospital to help identify any person who may eligible to donate their organs.”
For a wide range of reasons, she says only about 5 percent of the population are eligible to donate their organs.
Ralph adds other provinces have been discussing a similar organ donation system but she’s not able to say if some are also considering presumed consent.
