DID you know that there are currently 558 people in Scotland waiting for an organ transplant that will significantly improve their quality of life or that one organ donor can change the lives of up to seven people?

There will be at least one person in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area as you read this story currently waiting for an organ donation to improve their hopes for the future.

Being able to donate organs to help people who desperately need transplants is one of the great advances of modern medicine and the Scottish Government is wanting more people to consider making arrangements to make a donation.

Whilst almost 2.5 million people (46% of the population) have joined the Organ Donor Register, this doesn’t mean everyone who is on it becomes an organ donor.

Only 1% of all deaths in Scotland happen in circumstances where the person is able to donate their organs and tissue. This is why it is so important that as many of the 1% go on to become organ and/or tissue donors

Scottish Public Health Minister, Aileen Campbell, confirmed plans to bring forward legislation during this Parliament after 82% of consultation responses supported the move.

This will add to the package of measures already in place to increase donation. Work with stakeholders will continue, to ensure that the system is developed in a way which will do no harm to trust in the NHS or to the safety of organ donation.

Ms Campbell said: “I can confirm that we are bringing forward legislation to introduce a soft opt-out system. This will build on the significant improvements already made as a result of the Donation and Transplantation plan for Scotland.

"That progress is testament to the great many people who work tirelessly to facilitate organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

“We should not forget that organ donation is a gift, which can only occur as a result of tragic circumstances and every donor and their family has made a selfless decision which has enabled others to live.

“We need to continue doing what we can in order to help reduce the numbers of people in Scotland waiting for transplants. Moving to an opt out system of organ and tissue donation will be part of the long term culture change in attitudes to encourage people to support donation".

Mrs Campbell added: “We know that in order for opt out to be able to contribute to an increase in donation rates it has to work as part of a package of measures – that is why I would still encourage people to join the organ donor register and to let their loved ones know that is what they want.”

Organ donation happens at a very emotional time. A family has lost someone. Things are made easier in this difficult time when someone has made their decision known by joining the Register and telling their family. Your family are twice as likely to say ‘Yes’ to donating your organs and tissue if they know it’s what you would have wanted.

So, if you are one of the nine out of 10 people who agrees with organ donation, it is important that you take two simple steps.

1. Register your decision to be an organ donor at www.organdonationscotland.org/yes or call 0300 123 2323

2. Share your decision with your family.