Public Policy
‘Opt-out’ consent for organ donation
The UK Parliament is currently considering the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill to introduce an ‘opt-out’ consent system for organ and tissue donation in England. In response, the RCS has published a position statement welcoming the proposed system, provided it is accompanied by investment in the infrastructure supporting organ donation and transplantation services, and a public awareness campaign.
House of Commons briefing on the Assisted Dying Bill (Sept 2015)
The Royal College of Surgeons believes the law as it currently stands should not be changed and no system should be introduced to allow people to be assisted to die. Read our briefing here.
Parliamentary briefing on Assisted Dying Bill (July 2014)
The RCS does not recognise any circumstances under which it should be possible for people to be assisted to die. Read our briefing which was published ahead of the House of Lords second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill (2014-15).
Briefing on standards in the Welsh NHS (November 2013)
The College has sent a briefing to Welsh Assembly Members ahead of an Assembly debate on whether there needs to be a review of NHS hospitals in Wales. This briefing sets out the College's concerns about the NHS in Wales, highlights where we support actions being taken by the government, and what further actions are necessary.