Have you registered to be an organ donor?

Sunday, 29 July 2018

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging Hinkler residents to register to be an organ and tissue donor during DonateLife Week 2018 (July 29 – August 5).

“An organ donor has the potential to save the lives of up to 10 people, and one tissue donor can transform the lives of 30 or more people,” Mr Pitt said.

“While 81 percent of Australians believe registration is really important, only 34 percent of Australians have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register.”

The Australian Organ Donor Register is the national register and it’s important to use this, as information about your registration leaves your family in no doubt of your decision to be a donor, should the situation arise.

“Understandably, it is an emotional time for a family to consider donation, but in Australia, 90 per cent of families consent to donation when their loved one is a registered donor. When they are unsure, only 40 per cent of families consent.”

“It’s important for people to register and have that important discussion with their family,” Mr Pitt said.

Last year, 510 deceased organ donors and 273 living donors, saved and improved the lives of 1,675 Australians. A further 9,600 Australians benefited from eye and tissue transplants.

There are currently 1,400 Australians waitlisted for a transplant and more than 11,000 people are on dialysis of whom many would benefit from a kidney transplant.

People can register at www.donatelife.gov.au.

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