Give the gift of life this Christmas - become an organ donor

Professor Dobb said that Christmas is a time of giving and a time when families gather together, making it the ideal time for people to choose to become a donor and talk to family members about supporting their decision.

“Becoming an organ donor means giving the gift of life,” Professor Dobb said.

“People can register their consent to become an organ donor on the Australian Organ Donor Register but their families will still be asked to provide the final consent.

“One organ and tissue donor can directly save six lives and improve the lives of many more.

“Australia is a leader in organ and tissue transplantation but we need to boost our donor rates.

“Around 1600 people are on the organ transplant waiting lists at any one time,” Professor Dobb said.

Although the majority of Australians, almost 80 per cent, are willing to become organ donors, the rate of family consent is still low, at 60 per cent.

Many families (43 per cent) are not aware of their loved one's decision to become an organ donor.

The majority of families (93 per cent) who are aware of their loved one's wishes to be an organ donor support them.

To register to become an organ and tissue donor:

• visit the Australian Organ Donor Register website to register online;
• call 1800 777 203; or

• fill out a form at any Medicare office.

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19 December 2011

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                        Kirsty Waterford                  02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

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