Upper Bann MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has held back to back meetings at Stormont as she presses ahead with her Private Member’s Bill to move to an opt-out system of Organ Donation.

Following meetings with charity representatives and church leaders the Ulster Unionist MLA said: “Communication is absolutely key to getting the message across about how a change in the law will strengthen human rights and at the same time save local lives.

“The meetings I am holding at Stormont are helping immensely to raise awareness about my consultation which runs until 10 September and I am encouraging as many people as possible to take part and give their views – ultimately leading to a better Bill.

I am committed to consulting as widely as possible during the consultation.  Today’s meetings included representatives from the IFA, British Medical Association, British Heart Foundation, local transplant charities, Public Health Agency and the Presbyterian Church.

Together we are making fantastic progress on a number of exciting initiatives to promote organ donation including the GOAL (Gift of a lifetime) football tournament being organised by the Transplant Forum with the assistance of the IFA.

I am looking forward to holding further constructive meetings across the summer months and hope that, through my Bill, Northern Ireland can follow Wales as the next region of the United Kingdom to modernise our organ donation laws.”

Mrs Dobson is encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to complete the ten questions and give their views on changing the law.  To take part and have your say visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ8DDZK or follow Jo-Anne on twitter @JoAnne_Dobson.