Organ donors are selfless people who give others the gift of life and hope. Organ donation is not a popular subject for discussion, that is, unless you happen to be one of the thousands around the world who are waiting for a donor organ.
These people live with the knowledge that they will probably die before a donor organ becomes available. Two to three times as many patients are waiting for transplants as are receiving them. Locally, some people have been waiting for almost ten years.
Transplanted organs and tissues replace diseased, damaged or destroyed body parts. They can help restore the health of the recipient who might otherwise die or be disabled. For people with serious or life-threatening illnesses, organ or tissue transplantation may mean a second chance at life, or an improved quality of life.
Organ shortage is a global problem. Why is it so and what can we as a nation, and as individuals, do about it?
Organ donation is associated with a very traumatic period in one's life - the death of a loved one. A grieving family whose loved one has died unexpectedly through a brain injury faces a decision about organ donation. Half the time the family, in their distress, will say no. The organ donor's next-of-kin have the exclusive right to decide whether or not the deceased's wishes will be honoured. So it comes down to "no family consent, no donor organs removed".
To put this issue beyond doubt, it is crucial that a prospective donor talk to the family and make his/her wishes known. When a family is aware of a loved one's intentions, it is very rare that they would go against them. The message is "tell your family/next-of-kin, otherwise they might not do as you wish". It needs to be stressed that donation of organs and tissue can only occur if consent is given by the family or next-of-kin.
The government should take the responsibility to educate the public about such a serious and important issue. An extensive public education campaign should be launched, starting within our secondary schools, to overcome a lack of public awareness and to encourage families to openly discuss the issue.
The next vital step is registration. A question as to whether a person wishes to register as an organ donor should be included in the registration form for the issue and reissue of identity cards. If the person wishes to become a registered donor, then this information would be recorded on the ID card.
The donor's details should also be recorded on a National Organ Register. Such a register would record people's intentions on organ and tissue donation. Entry into the donor register is your guarantee that your intentions are known. Information on the register would only be available to authorised medical personnel in the organ donation network. In the event of your death, information about your wishes can be obtained off the donor register and provided to your family.
By registering to become an organ donor you are potentially making the greatest gift one human can give to another - the gift of life and hope. In making the decision to register as a donor, you are making a decision that might never receive thanks, but its impact could live on for generations. Chances are, however, you are more likely to need an organ than you are to give one.
Anyone can choose to donate organs and tissue - there is no age limit on the donation of some organs and tissue. While your age and medical condition may need to be considered, you shouldn't assume that you aren't healthy enough or that you are too old.
It should be noted that removal of organs is performed by highly skilled surgeons, and the donor body is treated with respect and dignity at all times. The donation of organs and tissue does not alter the physical shape of the body.
We as individuals should think long and hard about the issue of organ donation, even if it causes us discomfort. In most cases the decision to donate organs and tissue helps a family make sense of death By registering as an organ donor you may save or improve the lives of up to ten other people. Let us help others lead fuller lives.
What a wonderful legacy to leave behind!
The San Gwann Labour Party committee would like the public - irrespective of their political beliefs - to recognise the importance of this issue and would welcome any comments, suggestions or feedback. Our e-mail address is hajjausahha@yahoo.com.