DONATION WISHES SHOULD BE DISCUSSED
The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) supervises the nationally co-ordinated approach to organ and tissue donation processes in Australia.
‘In 2008, when the legislation enabling its establishment came before the Parliament, Hansard records unanimous bipartisan support in both House of Parliament’.
Philip Ruddock, Federal Member for Berowra wants to encourage everyone to speak with their families and friends to ensure they know their wishes on the subject of organ and tissue donation.
Here in Berowra, there are DonateLife Network staff based at the Hornsby Hospital.
‘They seek to spread information regarding the potential for saving lives through such donations. Indeed, in 2010, the first full year of OTA’s implementation, 309 organ donors saved or improved the lives of 931 transplant recipients, the highest donation and transplantation outcomes since national records began.’
“Know their wishes, OK” is the next phase on the national DonateLife campaign.
‘It aims to increase family consent rates by promoting the need for our families to discuss this issue, so that if ever the situation were to arise, we will be confident we are following the wishes of our loved ones.’
Mr Ruddock suggested that, instead of shying away from an uncomfortable issue, families should accept the prompt provided by the current ads being screened and ‘have a serious talk around the dinner table.’
‘Knowledge is power – and I think knowing how the individuals within our family feel about donating their organs would give each of us the power to make an informed decision should we ever be faced with the sad reality of the loss of that loved one.’