Victoria’s Organ and Tissue Donate Rate Welcomed

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PDF printable version of Victoria’s Organ and Tissue Donate Rate Welcomed (PDF 20 KB)

10 August 2011

Victoria’s improving record in organ and tissue donation and its contribution to an increasing national trend has been welcomed today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.

The year-to-date result of 68 organ donors in Victoria represents the highest donation outcome in the State since national records began – a 31% increase compared with the same period (January–July) in 2010.

“This is a good result and reflects the significant effort being made by Victorians to increase organ and tissue donation. Thank you all for your commitment and dedication,” Ms King said.

“There is still much more to do but these figures are encouraging and should be welcomed.”

Ms King today visited the Alfred Hospital to meet with Victorian staff of the DonateLife Network and the hospital to discuss the implementation of the Government’s $151 million National Reform Agenda to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation

She also met with a transplant recipient and a donor family member.

Ms King thanked the Alfred for its part in the improving organ and tissue donation results in Victoria.

“I understand that the Alfred’s 15 deceased solid organ donors in the first seven months of this year accounted for 22 % of all deceased solid organ donations in Victoria. I am pleased to be here today to personally thank the hospital and staff. I also thank the generous families who consented to their loved one becoming a donor and in doing so saving and improving the lives of others,” Ms King said.

“The 2011 Victorian year-to-date results build on the historic results achieved in 2010 with 98 Victorian deceased solid organ donors saving or improving the lives of 286 transplant recipients.”

Ms King said that Australia has this year achieved its highest organ donation rate of 201 deceased solid donors and its highest transplant recipient outcome of 593 transplant recipients for the same period in any year since national records began.

“This is an encouraging result but there is much more to be done to not only sustain but build on the increases in donation outcomes in Australia,” Ms King said.

“As at end July 2011, there were 201 deceased solid organ donors compared with 174 deceased solid organ donors for the same period in 2010 representing a 16% increase.

This year to date, the number of transplant recipients has increased to 593 transplant recipients compared with 526 for the same period in 2010 representing a 13% increase this year.

Australia’s continued growth in 2011 builds upon the 25% increase in national donation outcomes achieved in 2010 – and the 17% increase in transplant recipients achieved in 2010 over the 2009 calendar year.

“As we work to normalise organ and tissue donation as part of end of life care in Australia, it is important that all Australians discover the facts about organ and tissue donation, make and register their informed decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register and, most importantly, discuss their donation wishes with family members,” Ms King said.

For all inquiries, contact the Parliamentary Secretary's office 02 6277 4230