Family Doctor Week - AMA Calls On Families And Friends To Support The Wishes Of Organ Donors

New AMA Brochure - "You Don't Have To Be A Doctor To Save A Life"

AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today called on all Australians to support the wishes of family members and loved ones who choose to donate their organs when they die so that others can live or enjoy a better quality of life.

Speaking at today's launch of AMA Family Doctor Week, Dr Glasson said many lives could be saved if families and friends openly discuss the issue of organ donation so they are well prepared when an organ donation choice has to be made.

"It's not a easy thing to talk about death and dying, but knowing that another human being will benefit from organ donation should make the discussion easier," Dr Glasson said.

To help people make informed choices about organ donation and permitting organ donation, the AMA has produced an information brochure on organ and tissue donation: You Don't Have To Be A Doctor To Save A Life.

Dr Glasson said the brochure answers commonly asked questions and encourages people to discuss their decision to donate organs with their family and their doctor.

"Australia has a highly successful transplant rate but a very low organ donation rate," Dr Glasson said.

"The AMA wants to help people understand more about the great benefit of organ donation."

Around 800 Australians benefit each year from organ transplants. But there are currently around 1800 people on the transplant waiting list and it is likely that 100 of those people will die before receiving a transplant. Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world - approximately nine donors per million population, compared to Spain, which has 33.7 donors per million population.

"One of the most important ways of increasing donor organs and tissues is to identify suitable donors," Dr Glasson said.

"It's very important that anyone thinking about becoming an organ or tissue donor makes those wishes known. They should sign on to the Australian Organ Donor Registry, indicate their wishes on their Driver's Licence and, most importantly, tell family and friends."

You don't have to be a doctor to save a life is available on the AMA's website. Copies are also available from the AMA Federal Secretariat on (02) 6270 5400.

Family Doctor Week runs from 11 to 17 July, and is supported by American Express.

11 July 2004

CONTACT:
John Flannery 02 6270 5477, 0419 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306