Change the world by becoming an organ donor
One organ donor can potentially help save up to nine lives, yet the main reason 46 per cent of families refuse organ donation is because they are not aware of the wishes of their loved one who has died.
Next week, Hunter New England Health Organ and Tissue Donor Coordinator, Nicole Coleman is visiting the Denman region to encourage people to take the opportunity to talk about organ donation and make their intentions known to their family.
“More than 95 per cent of Australians support organ donation in principle. The problem for many people is in the communication of their wishes,” Nicole said.
“The Australian donation system relies on family members signing a medical authority following death in order for the donor procedure to take place. That is why it is so important to tell your loved ones your intention.
“People make wills to protect their homes and their assets, but they should make a ‘will’ outlining their consent to be an organ donor. The communication of your wishes to your family can prevent the additional grief of them making a difficult decision at a difficult time,” said Nicole.
“Australia had a total of 202 donors last year and 49 of those were from NSW. This resulted in 368 kidney transplants, 161 liver, 70 heart, six heart/lung, 92 lung, 34 pancreas and seven pancreas islets cells,” Nicole said.
We are also asked to spare a thought for family and friends of donors and celebrate the gift they have given. It is a gentle reminder that each transplant is the direct result of an individual’s last wish to help another person in need.
Nicole recently visited local shopping centres and John Hunter Hospital as part of Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week with information regarding organ donation and the National Medicare Australian Organ Donor Register.
Nicole will be hosting a presentation in the Day Care Room at Denman Multi Purpose Service on Friday 24 August at 2pm to talk with community members about organ donation, the process involved, and answer any questions. All members of the community are invited to attend.
Australians can become organ and tissue donors by following these basic steps:
• Tick the consent box on your driver's licence at the time of renewal.
• Enrol at the Australian Organ Donation Registry by calling 1800 777 203.
• Visit the Medicare Australia website and enrol online at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Lastly, and most important of all, tell your family about your decision, because permission is requested from next of kin before donation can occur.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 6767 7136