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PDF printable version of Hinch Surgery Highlights Organ and Tissue Transplant Reforms (PDF 48 KB)

6 July 2011

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, today welcomed the news that well known broadcaster Derryn Hinch, has undergone liver transplant surgery.

Ms King said Mr Hinch’s role as an ambassador to the Australian Government’s $151 million organ and tissue National Reform Agenda and his willingness to share his personal story with his listeners has raised awareness of organ and tissue donation.

“Whilst this news of a transplant for Mr Hinch is welcomed, we all must also remember that this is also about another extraordinary Australian who has agreed to donate organs for the life of another person and a family who has consented to that person’s wishes at a most difficult time.

“We thank all who, at a time of tragedy such as this, have consented for donation to proceed and we are reminded of the importance of respecting the privacy of both donor families and those who have received life-saving and life-changing transplants.”

A decision to give someone a transplant is made in accordance with a Consensus Statement developed by the Transplant Society of Australia and New Zealand, based on ethical principles devised by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Ms King acknowledged the world class Victorian Liver Transplantation Unit at the Austin Hospital, led by Professor Robert Jones AM.

“Since 1988, over 600 liver transplants, including over 100 paediatric liver transplants, have been performed with world class survival outcomes achieved,” Ms King said.

“I now wish Mr Hinch well as he goes through the coming critical hours following surgery and trust he makes a full recovery,” Ms King said.

Ms King said the National Reform Agenda, supported by all States and Territories as well as the Commonwealth, was beginning to make a significant mark in organ and tissue transplant outcomes.
The results speak for themselves:

• In 2010, the first full year of implementation of the National Organ and Tissue Donation Reform Package, 309 organ donors saved and improved the lives of 931 Australians – a 25% increase on the 2009 outcome (247 organ donors).
• The May 2011 year to date outcome (141 organ donors) represents a 19% increase on the equivalent year to date period in 2010 (118 organ donors).
• In 2010 there were 931 transplant recipients. The 2010 result represents a 17% increase over the 2009 total of 799 recipients and is the highest transplantation number in recorded history.
• The May 2011 year to date national outcome of 416 transplant recipients represents a 19% increase on the equivalent year to date period in 2010 (350 transplant recipients).

“There is clearly much more work to be done. While the results on organ and tissue donation and transplantation are improving, there were still 1596 people on transplant waiting lists as at June 3, 2011.

“It is vital that all people seriously consider becoming organ and tissue donors.

“I encourage all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation, share their stories and wishes about organ donation and generate discussion among their family and friends.”

For further information on organ and tissue donation visit www.donatelife.gov.au.

Media contact: Peter Dwyer (Ms King’s office) 0409 866 054