TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Hospital Donation Physicians are now working to support organ and tissue donation within Ontario hospitals, following closely the example set by successful international programs. Physician engagement is credited with improving donation rates by encouraging a culture of donation within hospitals. These specially trained physicians complement existing supports available through Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN).
"The opportunity for organ donation is rare, as less than three per cent of hospital deaths allow for organ donation," explains Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO of TGLN. "Hospital Donation Physicians are available to staff to provide educational support and share expertise, and to ensure that no family misses the opportunity to create a lifesaving legacy for a loved one by choosing donation."
With over 1,600 Ontarians waiting for a lifesaving transplant, TGLN is committed to supporting hospitals as they incorporate donation into quality end-of-life care.
This is the second phase of Ontario's plan to create an integrated network of donation physicians, both within and external to the hospital. In December 2014, TGLN appointed five Regional Medical Leads responsible for supporting hospital donation performance within a specific region of Ontario.
Dr. Sonny Dhanani, TGLN's Chief Medical Officer of Donation says: "Since we implemented the donation physician model in Ontario, we've seen an increase in the number of potential donors referred to TGLN. This means there are fewer missed opportunities for donation, and more families are being given the chance to make a lifesaving choice. This is improving end-of-life care for Ontarians."
Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care says: "Organ and tissue donation is incredibly important. One donor can save up to eight lives and help 75 more by donating tissue. I thank the physicians who are taking on the critical task of working with their colleagues and patient families to help increase the number of donations. This new initiative has the potential to save countless lives."
See below for the list of Ontario hospitals with Hospital Donation Physicians.
Quick facts
Ontario hospitals with Hospital Donation Physicians:
| Bluewater Health |
Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital |
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation for transplantation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.
SOURCE Trillium Gift of Life Network
Image with caption: "The Gift of Life medal is presented to families in tribute of those who passed and gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation (Photo credit: Trillium Gift of Life Network) (CNW Group/Trillium Gift of Life Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151208_C8025_PHOTO_EN_559409.jpg
Image with caption: "The green awareness ribbon is an international symbol of support for organ and tissue donation (Photo credit: Trillium Gift of Life Network) (CNW Group/Trillium Gift of Life Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151208_C8025_PHOTO_EN_559407.jpg
Jennifer Long, Media Relations Coordinator, 416-619-2327, c. 647-526-6941, [email protected]
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