Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2009. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Medic Alert: Organs

Question: (2) if he will take steps to ensure that, on commencement of their roles, all emergency services personnel receive training in the life-saving services provided by the MedicAlert Foundation.

Answer: It is important that people wishing to be organ donors have flexibility in making that wish known, for example they can carry a donor card, register on the national organ donor register, make their wishes known to another organisation or simply tell family and friends. The important thing is that the information is readily available at the appropriate time.The Government do not see a single national database or central register for advance decisions as the best way forward. The intention has always been to allow as much flexibility as possible for those making advance decisions.Ambulance trusts are responsible for providing appropriate training for staff, and information on whether this includes training on MedicAlert is not available centrally.

Secondary information