Organ donor pilot ready

Published on 22/01/2013 12:00

AN organ donation pilot programme is being launched at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Previously, people who suffered cardiac arrest away from a hospital and could not be resuscitated were unable to donate organs, even if they had expressed a wish to do so.

However, new training and equipment for staff at the ERI’s emergency department means it will now be possible.

Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “It can be a source of comfort to the family to be able to respect their loved ones who have made their wishes known by joining the NHS organ donor register.”