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Hunter New England Health joins efforts to encourage organ donation
The message for 2008 Organ Donor Awareness Week, 17 – 24 February, is “Register Today” and with more than 1,800 Australians waiting for a transplant, Hunter New England Health is encouraging the general public to act today to register as an organ and tissue donor.
In 2007 there were 53 organ donors across NSW with 175 transplants performed in this state, and nearly half of those people waiting for an organ transplant live in NSW.
Sadly, 20 per cent of people waiting for a heart, lung or liver will die before receiving a life saving transplant.
Hunter New England Health Organ and Tissue Donor Coordinator Nicole Coleman said many people support organ and tissue donation but delay registering.
“Many people say no on their drivers licence because they don’t know a lot about the organ donation process, yet their decision to become an organ donor can save up to ten lives,” Ms Coleman said.
“Once a person registers 'no', their family cannot override this as it is a legal requirement to uphold the decision.
To launch Organ Donor Awareness Week 2008 in NSW, RTA Motor Registry Offices will now carry a brochure designed to help people make informed decisions about organ and tissue donation.
Published by LifeGift NSW/ACT (which provides organ donor services in NSW and is part of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service), the brochure Organ Donors Save Lives includes information about when organ donation is possible, what happens during an organ retrieval, the recipients, help for the bereaved family, where you can get answers to your questions, how to register and importantly, telling your family about your decision to become an organ and tissue donor.
“Australians are ten times more likely to need an organ transplant than to become a donor, so we’re encouraging people to find out more about organ donation and make informed decisions to register today and, most importantly, tell their family about their decision,” Ms Coleman said.
“The register gives families confidence to support their loved one’s decisions at a time when faced with shock and grief, and it gives hope for those waiting for a transplant.”
To register today you can sign on to the national organ donor register by calling 1800 777 203, collect a registration form from a Medicare Office, or visit www.organdonor.com.au for more information and direct links to the organ donor register. Alternatively, NSW drivers can record their decision with the RTA.
Contact: Gemma Smith
Phone: 4921 4501
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