AS CHANGES to our organ donation system move a step closer, perhaps the only surprise is that it’s taken so long for this to happen.

Hopefully, provided Parliament gives its approval in the autumn, the new opt-out procedure will be in place by 2020.

Under the proposals, adults will be presumed to be organ donors unless they have stated otherwise. A similar system has existed in Wales since 2015.

There are still people who are reticent about agreeing to be a donor.

It is a difficult subject for some, who struggle with the thought of a loved one having any part of their body removed.

However, the story of Martin and Sally Walker and their daughter Claire is a classic example of how organ donation can create something positive from a tragic situation.

Claire’s death at the hands of a drink-driver was of course devastating for her parents, but they could draw some solace from the fact that the donation of her organs led to three lives being saved and countless others being transformed.

Estimates are that the changes will lead to up to 700 lives a year being saved. That has got to be good news.