Understanding the role of faith in organ donation

Hospital staff and local clergy will come together today to gain a greater understanding in the area of Organ Donation and discuss the relevant issues affecting clergy and their communities.

Hunter New England Health Organ and Tissue Donor Co-ordinator, Nicole Coleman said often members of the clergy have been approached by people in their communities for advice or guidance on the organ donation process.

“We are often asked by families of patients who are to become donors if a pastoral care representative can attend to support them through this process. In addition, members of the clergy have told us that they too have been approached by individuals for advice or guidance in this area.

“As a result, this session has been put together to allow attendees to openly discuss their experiences, so we can all achieve a better understanding of the vital role faith and religion can play for some people in the organ donation process,” said Nicole.

Topics to be covered in the multi-denominational community workshop include explaining the organ donation process, grief and bereavement in organ donation, dispelling common myths and ethics and organ donation

Ms Coleman encouraged people to take the opportunity to talk about organ donation and make their intentions known to their family.

“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.

“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.

“At John Hunter hospital, we had eight multiple organ donors in 2006, which was the highest for any hospital in NSW.  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.

Contact: Gemma Smith

Phone: 4921 4501 or 0402 793 426