Jillian Skinner MP Member for North Shore Deputy Liberal Leader Shadow Minister for Health Shadow Minister for Science & Medical Research Shadow Minister for the Arts

Saturday 22 March 2008

IEMMA GOVT MUST PLAY PART TO RAISE ORGAN DONATION: COALITION

NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on the Iemma Government to play a greater role in the promotion of organ donation.

“We should all be doing more to promote the benefits of organ donation,” Mr O’Farrell said.

"NSW has the lowest rate of organ donation of any mainland state, a fact that should spur the Iemma Government to better promote organ donation," he said.

"Yet the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found NSW spends less per person on health promotion than any other Australian State or territory.

“The Iemma Government should consider having organ donation co-ordinators in the major trauma hospitals across the state.

“This would enable families to be better informed and would hopefully see a rise in the donation rate meaning more lives saved.

“There are a number of myths about organ donation and the State Government must play an active role in dispelling them.”

Mrs Skinner said while State Government promotion of organ donation should be a priority, so too should be speaking to family members to make your intentions known.

"Family members will be asked to authorise organ donations in the event of your death, so it is important that your family knows what your intentions are.

"Across Australia in 2007 a total of 198 people donated organs, allowing 626 transplants to be performed. As at January 2008, a total of 1,875 people were waiting for organ transplants,” Mrs Skinner said.

For further information about the Australian Organ Donor Register call 1800 777 203.