Photo by B. Shakyaver
South Huron Hospital (SHH) has introduced a new system to support organ and tissue donation in collaboration with the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), Ontario’s organization for transplant services. This change ensures that every potential opportunity for donation is considered after a patient’s passing.
Under this system, the hospital will notify TGLN of all deaths in its Emergency Department, regardless of the patient’s age. For the In-Patient Unit, notifications will include patients aged 79 and younger. If a patient is eligible, TGLN will contact their family to discuss the possibility of donation.
Statistics show that families are more likely to honor the wishes of loved ones who are registered donors. However, when the individual is not registered, only half of families consent to donation. This highlights the need for both registration and open discussions about donation.
It’s important to note that paper donor cards are no longer valid in Ontario. To confirm if you are registered, check the back of your health card. If the word “Donor” isn’t visible, visit www.beadonor.ca or a Service Ontario location to register or verify your status.
Written by: K. Milhomens