Organ and tissue donation is a life-saving and life-transforming medical process. Organs are removed from a donor and transplanted into someone who is very ill or dying from organ failure. Eye and tissue donation can save or improve the quality of life for others.
Australia has one of the highest transplant success rates in the world and research shows that the majority of Australians support organ and tissue donation.
Organ and tissue donation transforms lives. One organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people.
Each year there are approximately 1600 Australians waiting for a transplant. Some Australians die waiting for a transplant. Some spend weeks or months in hospital, with others making several trips to hospital every week for dialysis or other treatment.
People who need an organ transplant are usually very ill or dying because an organ is failing. They range from babies and children through to older people.
People who need a tissue transplant can also be of any age. In some cases, tissue can save lives. More often, it greatly improves the recipient's life.
Almost anyone can donate organs and tissues - there is no age limit on the donation of some organs and tissues. The determining factors are where and how a person dies, and the conditions of their organs and tissues. While your age and medical history will be considered, you shouldn't assume you're too young, too old or not healthy enough to become a donor.
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