Dozens of lives have been saved since Wales introduced its opt-out system of organ donation six month ago, new figures have revealed.
Of the 31 people who donated their organs between December last year and the end of May this year, ten had their consent deemed because they had not registered a decision to either opt in or opt out of becoming an organ donor.
Under the system, which came into effect in December last year, people who have lived in Wales for more than 12 months and who do not opt in to the register or opt out, will be regarded as having consented to organ donation if they die.
In total, 60 organs were transplanted during the period, with 32 organs coming from people whose consent had been deemed.
The 31 people who donated their organs between December and May represents an increase compared to the same period 12 months ago, when 23 people donated their organs.
Vaughan Gething AM, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport, said: “The path to organ donation is a complex one, but consent is the stage at which most donations are lost. I am extremely proud that Wales now leads the way by being the first nation in the UK to move to a soft opt-out system of consent.
“I fully expect that the new system will create a step change in consent for organ donation in Wales. The early indications are that this certainly is the case.
“This law was introduced to address the chronic shortage of organs for transplant which we face in Wales. I am sure we have all heard heart breaking stories about those on organ waiting lists.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Wales for not only embracing this ground breaking legislation, but also for taking the time to consider, discuss and register their decision about organ donation.”
A new Welsh Government campaign is due to begin in the summer aimed at getting more young people to talk about their organ donation decision with their loved ones and to remind people of their options under the new system.
The latest survey in February 2016 showing that 74% of the Welsh public were aware of the opt-out system.