PEOPLE in south east Wales are the most likely to formally opt in to the forthcoming new organ donation system, or take no action, meaning they will be presumed to have consented to donating their organs in the event of their death.

The latest of an ongoing series of surveys into public attitudes towards the fundamental change in Wales' organ donation system, which comes into force on December 1, shows that almost eight out of 10 (78 per cent) of people in the region - which also includes Cardiff - are set to take one of the aforementioned paths.

The introduction of a 'soft' opt-out system for consent to deceased organ and tissue donation in Wales, through the Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2013, is now less than six months away, and the latest wave of results from surveys to public attitudes comes as households in Wales begin to receive information through the first national leaflet drop.

A new series of television adverts highlighting the new system has also begun.

The latest survey results indicate that Wales-wide, 64 per cent of people support the change, with 17 per cent against. Twenty per cent of those surveyed most recently said they require more information before deciding, or do not yet know their stance.

While survey respondents in Cardiff and the South East are most likely to opt in or take no action, those in the Valleys are least likely follow these courses (60 per cent).

The latest surveys also show that awareness of the change in Wales' organ do nation system is at its lowest among 16-34 year-olds.

The Welsh Government and those charged with leading the awareness campaign during the countdown to December 1 have been very keen to stress the importance of people discussing the forthcoming changes, and their wishes regarding the potential donation of their organs, with family members.

There remains significant progress to be made in this respect, something that the household leaflet drop may encourage, as the latest survey indicates that less than half (42 per cent) of respondents have discussed the matter with family members.

Under a soft opt-out system, where family views will be a factor in any organ donation decision, especially if the potential donor's wishes are not clear, such communication of wishes is vital.

Discussion with family members appears to be lower in Cardiff and south east Wales, and in the Valleys, than in other parts of Wales, and lower too, among 16-34 year-olds.