SOUTH Australians are being urged to have a conversation with their loved ones about organ donation after a decrease in the number of organ donors last year resulted in less transplants.
The 2017 Australian Donation and Transplantation activity report showed 32 South Australians became deceased organ donors last year, compared with 40 the year before.
South Australia’s donation rate is 18.6 donors per million population, compared with the national average of 20.7.
DonateLife SA state medical director Dr Stewart Moodie said the decrease in numbers highlighted the need for more South Australians to consider how organ donation affects both families and recipients.
“While the life saving outcomes to organ recipients are well recognised, the ability to provide such a gift is something that all donor families should hold with immense pride,” Dr Moodie said.
“To increase donation outcomes, we need to raise consent rates and we encourage all South Australians to discuss organ donation with their families.
“This can be achieved by more South Australians registering and discussing their donation decision with loved ones and by ensuring donation is always raised by a trained donation specialist doctor or nurse.”
Due to the generosity of donors and their families, donation and transplantation outcomes have increased substantially since the implementation of a national program in 2009.
Since the program started, 3464 deceased organ donors and their families have helped 10,096 transplant recipients.
Medical suitability, interstate surgical team availability and fewer families agreeing to donation than in previous years have impacted donor rates during the 2017 period.
