An Orkney man has criticised the Scottish Government after being forced to wait for years for a new kidney.
Steve Sankey spent four years waiting for and organ transplant and had to endure three years of dialysis and regular flights to Aberdeen for check-ups.
But he believes he and others in his situation could be spared the wait if the government adopted an “opt out” system for organ donations.
At present people have to sign up to the organ donor register for their organs to be used in transplants.
The government said it was committed to increasing the number of donors but evidence was split on whether an opt-out system would work.
Mr Sankey had been living with adult polycystic kidney disease, which left him with only 5% of organ function and meant he had to undergo dialysis.
The 59-year-old wildlife guide finally received a new kidney on Tuesday, September 15 at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
He said “Naturally I’m delighted with my new kidney, which after a month is working well and thus far all appears to be fine.
“The medics are really pleased with progress, as are all my family and friends. I had great support from everyone, especially down in Edinburgh, where I used to work, and I’d like to pay tribute to the professionalism of the transplant team in Edinburgh and the renal team in Aberdeen.”
Mr Sankey recently travelled to the Scottish Parliament for the launch of a private member’s bill being led by Labour MSP Anne McTaggart to try to change the law on organ donation.
He said: “It’s hugely disappointing that the Scottish Government has chosen not to include this piece of legislation in their programme – it could help so many others in my predicament.
“Instead we’re having to rely on a private member’s bill to try and get the organ donation system into a ‘soft opt-out’ one like many other European countries, including Wales.
“If I had been a resident of Spain, for example, I would have probably had a transplant several years ago, as the supply of organs through the different system is much greater than in the UK.”