PITY II - Human Tissue Bill

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Human Tissue Bill

The Secretary of State for Health, Mr John Reid MP, published the long awaited Human Tissue Bill on behalf of the Government on Thursday 5th December 2003. This was the day that families involved in retention issues up and down the country had been waiting for. Many families have had their distress added to because under the 1961 Human Tissue Act there has been no accountability for what happened to their baby, child, sibling, husband, wife or other adult relative.

As families affected by the issue of retention we know that this new bill cannot change what has happened in the past and that the damage that has been caused to families cannot be undone, but hopefully this new bill will be a legacy to our loved ones.

Although we know that over the next few month's work will still need to be done as the Bill goes through parliament, we all hope that the words "NEVER AGAIN" said by the Chief Medical Officer at his summit on 11th January 2001 can be fulfilled.

A press release was issued by the Department of Health and John Reid stated:

" We know, from the Bristol, Alder Hey and Isaacs Inquiries, that the removal and keeping of organs and tissue without consent took place on a large scale. It was a tragedy for families affected, unacceptable and took place within weak legislation.

This legislation will ensure that this does not happen again. Under the Human Tissue Bill, no one except with the Coroner's authority or criminal investigation will be allowed to retain organs or tissue without patients or relatives consent. It's an example of this Government listening to the public - promising to act on their concerns - and delivering.

We are proposing a comprehensive framework where principles of consent will apply to all medical use of human bodies, organs and tissue. This will allow us to draw a line under the events of the past, we can then move forward in the knowledge that the rights of individuals and families will be fully respected; and that proper legal and ethical standards will apply in all situations where tissue can be kept and used for the public benefit".

Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer said:

"….. This Bill reflects the commitment that parents, families and professional groups have shown in working with the Department to ensure a solid legal framework for the future and to put right the problems and failings of the past. We have consulted widely and found a clear consensus on a legal framework for consent, regulation and sanctions".

A full copy of the press statement can be seen on www.doh.gov.uk/tissue

The new Bill is a 62-page document along with a 23-page explanatory note document. Copies can be viewed online

to view click here (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmbills/009/2004009.htm).

Copies can also be obtained from the Stationery Office at a cost of £11 for both documents. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Ref numbers 0-215-70334-0 & 0-215-80118-0.

If any members are unable to obtain a copy, PITY II can photocopy the document for you. Please call the help-line on 0151 285 0016 or email us.

PITY II (Parents who have Interred Their Young Twice) is the parents' support group set up in the wake of the organ retention scandal
at Alder Hey Hospital (Liverpool, UK). It aims to provide self help support and advice to affected families.

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