Organ donations highest in Australia's recorded donation history
More Australian families are consenting to their loved ones becoming organ donors.
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December 13, 2010
More Australian families are consenting to their loved ones becoming organ donors, with November recording the highest rate of donations for the same month in Australia's recorded organ donation and transplant history, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Catherine King announced today.
Nationally 32 Australians became organ donors during November this year.
With 290 organ donors as of 30 November 2010, Australia has already exceeded the total number of donations in any full year in its donation and transplant history. The next highest full year was 259 donations in 2008.
"We have seen four months in the year to date that have had or exceeded 30 deceased donations. The generosity of these donors and their families has saved or significantly improved the lives of 87 Australians in the November period,” Ms King said.
Australia is on track to achieve the highest yearly number of life saving and life changing transplants for any year in the history of transplants in Australia.
The Gillard Government has a $151 million reform package to boost organ and tissue donation rates. Its initiatives include an ongoing community education program and establishing a national clinical network of staff – over 150 doctors and nurses located in 74 major hospitals around the country – dedicated to improving organ and tissue donation and raising awareness about organ donation in hospitals.
Ms King said the Gillard Government is committed to lifting organ and tissue donation rates in Australia which, compared with many other countries, have been relatively low.
"Recently we have been increasing public awareness with the ‘To donate life, discuss it today. OK’ advertising campaign which emphasises the need for potential donors to tell their families of their wishes, as family consent is always sought before donation can proceed.
“The upcoming holiday period is traditionally a time when families are in touch with each other or get together and I urge all Australians to share their donation decision with their loved ones, and to know their family members' donation wishes."
To discover more about organ and tissue donation, what to do when you decide to become a potential donor and suggestions on how to discuss your wishes with your family visit http://www.donatelife.gov.au/
For more information, please contact the Parliamentary Secretary's Office on (02) 6277 4230
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