Minister stresses need for organ donor cards

Health Minister Mary Harney has said new figures from the HSE's audit of potential organ donors, has confirmed the need for people to carry organ donor cards and for families to discuss the issue of organ donation amongst themselves.

The audit summarised the availability of organs for transplantation in a 12-month period in Ireland from September 2007 to August 2008:
  * 200 patients were considered for brain stem death testing;
  * 138 individuals were identified as suitable potential organ donors;
  * Organ donation was discussed with next-of-kin in 133 cases;
  * Consent was given in 92 cases;
  * 90 organ donations took place;
  * 13 potential donors had donor cards.

Among the reasons given by next-of-kin for not consenting were:
   *Next-of-kin were unsure of patient's wishes;
   *Next-of-kin were divided on organ donation;
   *Next-of-kin felt patient had suffered enough.

The Minister said she believed believe that their act of organ donation brings some comfort to the family through the knowledge that their decision will have saved up to five other lives.�

"I would urge people to discuss the issue of organ donation today so that their wishes are known by their families in the event of a tragedy."

The figures also show the importance of people applying for, and carrying a donor card, and I would encourage everyone to do so.

[Posted: Thu 17/09/2009]