In her latest blog for Caerphilly Observer, Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore reflects on the latest organ donor figures, Cwmcarn Forest Drive, and the Welsh Government’s recently announced five-year plan.
What has the Assembly ever done for us?
I’m a realist. I know that there are still some people who question the merits of devolution and ask what has the National Assembly for Wales done for them. One way that the Welsh Labour Government is indeed trail blazing can be seen in new figures which show a rise in the number of people living in Wales whose lives were saved or improved by an organ transplant.
Wales became the first part of the UK to change the organ donation system when we introduced a soft opt-out system. People aged 18 and over who have lived in Wales for more than 12 months and who die in Wales – will now be regarded as having consented to organ donation. The option to opt out exists. The system is called ‘Deemed Consent’. People who want to be an organ donor can register a decision to opt in. Doing nothing will mean there is no objection to being an organ donor. People who do not want to be an organ donor can opt out at any time.
The latest Organ Donation and Transplantation Activity Report shows the number of patients residing in Wales whose lives were saved or improved by an organ transplant increased by 24% to 214. This sees an increase of 41 on the previous year. With a 7% increase in the number of donors donating in Wales to 64. The number of donors after brain death increased by 13%. The number of living donors residing in Wales increased by 20%. 136 patients residing in Wales had their sight restored through a cornea transplant, representing an increase of 5%. This is a Welsh Labour Government and the National Assembly for Wales acting in a dynamic manner, changing the lives of Welsh people for the better.
Keeping up with Cwmcarn
September has been busy. In the constituency I continue to work closely with Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive, Natural Resources Wales, Caerphilly Borough Council, ministers and Welsh Government to ensure Cwmcarn Forest Drive is once again opened for the people of Wales. It is a time consuming project and one that requires patience in face of its scale but I am determined alongside others that we return one of Wales’ stunning natural landscapes to its former glory.
Taking Wales Forward
In the Assembly the First Minister launched the Welsh Government’s programme of government ‘Taking Wales Forward 2016 – 2021’. This is a realistic but ambitious Programme for Government. It is the blueprint of our work for the next five years. The forthcoming budget will align resources to these priorities. With much work ahead of us I know that the Welsh Government is strongly committed to enabling our people are able to lead the best lives possible – both for themselves and their families.