This week is Organ donor week for 2007 has been held from 18 February to 24 February.
This is the largest public campaign dealing with organ and tissue donation.
Anyone can choose to donate organs and tissue and there is not age limit on the donation of some tissue and organs. And although anyone over 18 years can register their consent or objection, anyone under the age of 18 can register their intention or objection.
Organ and tissue donation has assisted more that 30,000 Australians in the last 60 years.
Organs include kidneys, heart, lungs, liver and pancreas.
Tissues include heart valves, bone tissue, skin tissue and eye tissue.
Just think about Fiona Coote, Australia’s first and youngest heart recipient. Her first heart transplant was performed on 8th April 1989, by Dr Victor Chan, when she was only 14 years old and two years later this heart was replaced when it began to deteriorate.
Always remember to talk to your family, partner or friends because they need to know your views on organ and tissue donation. In the event of your death, they will be consulted about your decision and to confirm that you hadn’t changed your mind since you recorded your consent.
Some family members may disagree with organ donation so make sure you communicate your views with as many family members as you can to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
The manner in which a person dies determines what organs they can donate and in most cases the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and kidneys can only be donated if someone dies in an intensive care unit. Less that 1% of people who have been hospitalised, die in this manner.
Two qualified senior doctors carry our a series of tests to determine brain death. This is determined when the brain stops functioning without any possibility of recovery.
Why not give this important decision some real thought and pick up a brochure from your local Medicare office, phone 1800777203 or visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au for more information.