Organ donations rise, but more needed

A FOURTEEN per cent increase in organ donations in New South Wales has prompted a plea for more people to sign up to the lifesaving registry.

There were 88 organ donations in 2012, up from 77 in 2011, according to the Australian Medical Association.

The association’s NSW president, Associate Professor Brian Owler, has welcomed the figures, saying they are “excellent news” for some of the state’s sickest patients.

“The 14.2 per cent increase in donation rates from 2011 figures is good news for anyone waiting for life-saving treatment,” he says.

Associate Professor Owler has called for more people to register for organ donation, and issued a reminder for potential donors to discuss their wishes with family members.

“I would encourage everyone to sign up to be an organ donor on the national register – you can do so at Medicare’s website.

“(But) even if you are a registered organ donor your loved ones can still override that decision, so make sure they know about your choice.”

Associate Professor Owler says Australia trails other developed countries in organ donation and so increased participation is needed to save more lives.