Have you signed up to save a life?

Although one organ donor can save eight lives, many more people are touched. Why is it then that more people haven't agreed to donate their organs? It may be because of misconceptions that surround organ donation. 

“Thousands of people each year wait for an organ transplant and although more than 85% of Ontarians are in favour of organ donation, only one in four Ontarians have registered their consent to donate,” says Anat Gruber, Trillium Gift of Life Coordinator for North York General Hospital. 

Nurse Jo-Ann Fernando
Jo-Ann Fernando, Clinical Nurse Educator, Critical Care Unit

April is Be A Donor month and many families say that organ donations often ease their grief because they know their personal tragedy gave new life to others. For many families however, the decision to permit an organ and/or tissue donation is difficult as they are not aware of their loved ones wishes. This is why it is so important to register your consent to donate and talk to your family about being a donor. 

Jo-Ann Fernando, Clinical Nurse Educator in the Critical Care Unit, debunks some common myths:

 

Myth 1: It's against my religion

Nearly every major religion including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism either encourages organ and tissue donation or lets the individual decide. Many religions see organ donation as an act of compassion. 

Myth 2: I'm too old or unhealthy to donate my organs
No matter your age or health, some of your organs or tissue may be perfectly suitable for transplant. Doctors evaluate each person to decide which organs and tissue are viable for transplant. 

Myth 3: If you register your consent, doctors won't try to save your life 
You will receive the same care by your physicians and health care team regardless of your registration/donor status. Most times, doctors and nurses involved in a person's care before death aren't the same medical professionals involved in the donation and/or transplantation process. 

Myth 4: I can't have an open casket funeral 
Trillium Gift of Life coordinators will work with your family to ensure that your wishes and those of your family are met. Organ or tissue donation will not interfere with your funeral plans, and prostheses and clothing can be used to ensure your appearance, or that of your loved one, is unchanged.

Myth 5: I signed my donor card, therefore I am an organ donor
You need to register even if you signed a donor card. Information on a signed donor card is not recorded in the same way and may not be available when needed. Registering as a donor is the only guaranteed way to make your decision known. It's also important to talk to your family about your wishes.

North York General Hospital's Cataract High Volume Centre completed over 100 cornea transplants during 2015-2017. “Talking to the families of recipients is a touching reminder of just how precious the gift of sight can be,” says Marcela Tutay, Clinical Team Manager, Branson Perioperative Services and Central Processing Department.

One organ donor can save eight lives.

This article first appeared in the April 2017 issue of The Pulse.

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