RVH was recognized by Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario’s organ and tissue donation and transplantation agency, for its outstanding efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care in 2019/20. Additionally, Dr. Doug Austgarden, Intensivist, RVH Intensive Care Unit, was named a Donation Champion for his individual efforts in organ and tissue donation and leading culture change at RVH.
RVH is one of 30 hospitals to be awarded a 2019/20 Trillium Gift of Life Network Achievement Award and one of seven hospitals to recognize a Donation Champion on their team.
“Receiving these two awards is truly an honour and demonstrates RVH’s commitment to organ and tissue donation,” says Liz Ferguson, vice president Patient Programs, Flow and chief nursing executive. “RVH surpassed the Gift of Life network’s 63 per cent target with an astounding 80 per cent conversion rate last year.”
RVH has made an outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation in Ontario and this award is a reflection of that important work,” says Ronnie Gavsie, president and CEO, Trillium Gift of Life Network. “The collaboration and partnership we have with our hospitals is critical to saving lives. Every Ontarian can play a part by registering to donate at BeADonor.ca. Now is the time to think about what we can do to protect the health of others, and this includes saving more lives through donation.”
Today, more than 1,600 people in Ontario are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone will die waiting. Over 90 per cent of Ontarians support donation, yet only 35 per cent have formally registered their consent for organ and tissue donation.
While some people believe that their age or medical condition prevents them from donating, in actuality, neither age nor health precludes someone from becoming a donor. Every potential donor is assessed at the time of death for medical suitability. Others may believe that doctors won’t work hard to save a life if someone is a registered donor, but in fact, saving a life is always the priority. Donation is only considered after all lifesaving efforts are exhausted, there is no chance of recovery, and the family accepts the diagnosis of death. One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue. By registering consent to donate, you make your family aware of your decision to save lives. Visit BeaDonor for more details.
For more Information:
Jane Cocking
Manager, Corporate Communications
CockingJ@rvh.on.ca