1 Presumed consent is not informed consent
Resolution submitted by the RCN Pain Forum
That this meeting of RCN Congress opposes any attempt to make consent to organ donation presumed
Work led by the RCN Public Policy Committee
Congress 2008 saw a passionate debate which acknowledged the emotive nature of the issue. Opening the discussion, David Mathers of the RCN Pain Forum stated that while the forum fully supported the need to raise organ donation levels, it felt the opt-out system would not acknowledge the importance of individual autonomy and the right to self-determination. Dominic Walsh from the RCN Critical Care Forum shared his personal experience as a charge nurse working with liver transplant patients. The resolution to oppose any attempt to make consent to organ donation presumed was defeated by a show of hands.
The argument remains a sensitive one, prone to significant diversion of opinions, and as a result of recent government reports and statements made by the Prime Minister and leading health organisations, the issue continues to be the subject of significant public debate.
The RCN is seeking to develop an evidence-based position on this issue, focusing on the implications for nursing at a time when all governments are encouraging a wide debate with the framework set by the Organ Donation Taskforce.
On 5 January 2009 the RCN launched a membership wide consultation aimed at identifying the attitudes of members on this issue, so that the views of nurses can be considered as part of the public debate. Opinions were sought from country/regional boards, branches, forums and individuals.
To assist the consultation process a briefing paper on organ donation was issued on 5 January (RCN policy briefing 01/2009) together with a template to assist members to provide responses to the issues outlined in the consultation. The consultation ended on 6 March 2009 and the results are being analysed before being presented to Council for further consideration.