‘Collaborative’ hospitals increase organ donor rates

A 40% increase in organ donor rates had been achieved by hospitals participating in the first three months of the Australians Donate National Organ Donation Collaborative (NODC).

The 22 participating hospitals – representing all mainland jurisdictions except Queensland – had reported 11 additional donors from 1 July to 30 September, compared to the same period last year.

The NODC teams were collaborating to develop ‘best practice’ in identifying potential donors and providing their families with appropriate information and support.

While this had already impacted within the NODC hospitals, the figures also indicated the NODC was making a significant contribution to improving this year’s organ donor rate.

There were 204 organ donors in 2005. In the first half of 2006, there were only 84 donors. In the three months since 30 June 2006, a total of 61 Australians had donated organs after death – 38 of which (or 60%) came from NODC hospitals.

Australian Organ Donor Register consent forms are available through Medicare offices.