A change in the law means a new system is now in place that permits doctors to consider all adults who are not in any excluded groups as having agreed to donating their organs when they die. The NHS hopes this will increase the number of organs available for the 6,000 patients on the waiting list.
People can still decide not to donate, and family consent will be required for organs to be used.
Wales introduced a similar law in 2015 and Scotland is due to introduce the same law by this autumn, which means only Northern Ireland will have an opt in system by the end of the year.
The Patients Association responded to the consultation on the new law in 2018.
Loss of smell and taste added to symptoms of COVID-19
We’ve updated our advice on COVID-19 to include the latest symptom the Government has identified – the loss of, or change, in your usual sense of smell and taste.
Anosmia, the medical term for the loss or change in your normal sense of smell, is now a reason why people should self-isolate. The three reasons for self-isolation are: a new continuous cough, fever or anosmia.
The Government has based its advice on emerging data and evidence on COVID-19. If you develop any of these three symptoms of COVID-19 infection you, should stay at home for seven days, or longer, if you still have symptoms, Anybody who lives with you should self-isolate for 14 days.
Early results to our COVID-19 lockdown survey highlight loneliness is a big problem
Thank you to those of you who have filled in our survey. But we’re sorry to hear that despite most of you being able to stay in touch with family and friends, nearly half of you are lonelier than before the lockdown.
Early results have also shown some people, about a third, are having problems getting diagnostic tests they need, seeing a dentist, and getting their medicines. Just over a quarter had difficulties getting an appointment with their GP.
But we really need to hear from more people to see if these early results hold true. If you’ve not yet filled in the survey, please do – here’s the link.
Chrissie* called our helpline asking how to a pathologist to take a look at her late father's post-mortem report.
Chrissie’s father had died in hospital, where he’d been an inpatient, and an inquest had been ordered.
However, neither Chrissie nor the rest of her late father’s family believe the findings in the pathologist's report are correct. Which is why she wanted another pathologist to take a look at the post mortem report.
We signposted Chrissie to www.privatehealth.co.uk where she could search for a pathologist. We also advised her that she could raise her concerns with the coroner's office, who could also offer advice about pathologists they might approach.
We also signposted Chrissie to the charity Inquest for information about pathologists.
*Name changed for privacy.
To share your experiences with our helpline team, call 0800 3457115 between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays or email helpline@patients-association.com. See our website for more ways to get in touch.
Our vision is that health and social care will be delivered in a way that meets every person’s health and social care needs.
Our mission is to give effect to the patient voice, to improve patient experience and support people to engage fully in their own care. Find out more about our values on our website.
The Patients Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (1006733). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (02620761)
Registered address: P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, The North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3YJ
