February 24, 2013
Last year, 1122 Australians received an organ transplant thanks to the generosity of 391 organ donors whose families agreed to donation at the time of their loved one’s death.
But there are still an average of 1500 people on Australia’s transplant waiting list at any time – 50 of them children – who are waiting anywhere between one and four years for their life saving transplant surgery.
And every week, more than one person on the waiting list dies because the transplant they need isn’t available.
These grim statistics are the reason Donate Life Week is being celebrated around Australia until Sunday, March 2.
“Donate Life Week is the perfect time for South Burnett residents to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor,” Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service organ and tissue donation coordinator Liz Hill said.
The week is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation.
“Last year 77 of Australia’s 391 organ donors were from Queensland,” Ms Hill said.
“While the number of organ donors in Queensland has increased by 60 per cent in the past five years, there is still room for a lot more improvement.”
Ms Hill said one organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of ten or more people.
“That’s why it is important to register your decision to become a donor and also discuss your decision with your family.
“Only the Australian Organ Donor Register allows you to register your consent to donate.
“By telling your family, partner and friends your wishes and registering your consent, you have done the two most important things to ensure your wish to donate will be carried out.
“Australia has one of the highest transplantation success rates in the world, so we know that if you do make a decision to donate and the circumstances at the time of death allow you to be considered as a donor, then it is more than likely your decision will save another person’s life.”
More information about organ donation can be obtained from Donate Life Queensland on (07) 3176-2350 or by visiting the website.
