The Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act 2021 (also known as “Daniel’s Law”) brought a significant change for organ donation in the Isle of Man. From 1 January 2026, we moved from an opt-in to an opt-out system. In simple terms, most people aged 18 and over are now considered willing to donate unless they choose to opt out.

Behind the scenes, from day one, the job has been about people. I worked closely with colleagues across the Public Service, particularly Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care.

I was also an honorary member of the organ donation committee in Manx Care, which brings together doctors and nurses with donor families and transplant recipients. Those voices helped me keep this work grounded. They are a reminder that is was not just about a policy change. It is about turning tragedy into legacy - and about the lives being saved or transformed through the “gift of life”.

A big part of my role has been making sure that the law change is understood by all members of our community.

I led our public awareness work from early 2025, building up to the law change in January 2026. My aim was to make sure the public message is clear and easy to understand, and that it reached everyone.

Organ donation is still your choice. Recording a decision is straightforward and can be done online, by phone, or through the NHS app. Just as important is talking about it with your family. When donation becomes a possibility, it is families who are asked about your wishes, and a clear conversation in advance can make a difficult time a little less uncertain.

This work has been complex, but my aim has been simple. To make it easier for people to understand the change, feel ownership in their decision, and have the conversation.

Though I have now moved on from Public Health, I will always have a keen interest in how things progress with organ donation on the Island.