Community reminded to register as an organ donor during DonateLife Week

People across the state are reminded to register for organ and tissue donation and discuss their decision with their loved ones this DonateLife Week.

Sadly, there has been an 11 per cent drop in donor registrations in the past year, and with approximately 1,800 people currently on the organ transplant waitlist in Australia, donors are urgently needed to help save lives.

While most Australians support organ donation, only 41 per cent of NSW residents are registered organ and tissue donors.

Ensuring family and loved ones are informed about your decision is also key as families are more likely to agree to donation if their loved one is registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Loved ones are always asked to support someone’s decision to be an organ donor before donation goes ahead and while eight in ten families agree when they know their family member was a registered donor, this consent drops to four in ten if they have not had a prior conversation.

Dr Michael O’Leary, co-state medical director for DonateLife NSW said registering to become a dedicated organ donor is a powerful act, one organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people.

“If you’d say yes to a transplant for yourself or someone you love, it makes sense to say yes to donation too,” Dr O’Leary said.

“I encourage everyone in NSW to please register to become a donor, but it only works if your family knows your decision.”

Organ and tissue donation can save and transform the lives of people who, in many cases, are seriously ill or dying.

Anyone in Australia aged 16 and over can register on the Australian Organ Donor Register. It only takes one minute.

Register as a donor today at donatelife.gov.au or through the ServiceNSW app.