Renal nursing and the Human Tissue Act 2004

The Human Tissue Act of 2004 was introduced in the UK on 1 September 2006. It replaced all Acts that previously governed the procurement and utilization of tissues, cells and organs. It has promoted changes in requirements predominantly in transplantation settings. Past research has highlighted a shortage of organs for transplantation, particularly in renal donation. The new act hopes to remedy this so that future renal transplantations will occur more frequently, therefore improving choice and quality of life for patients with end stage renal disease. For UK renal nurses, the implementation of the Human Tissue Act 2004 presents challenges requiring adaptations of prior learning with new nursing roles. Recommendations can be made to help during the change process. Kurt Lewin's model of change provides a foundation for the understanding and recognition of change processes that occur in the implementation of individual and organizational change.