Organ donor rate jump in November 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.
Nationally 32 Australians became organ donors during November 2010.
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.
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/
