A 30 per cent increase in the Victorian and national organ donation rate resulted in 216 Victorians receiving life-saving transplants last year.

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand launched Organ Donation Awareness Week at the Royal Children’s Hospital today, saying despite the increase in transplants more donors are still needed.

“More than 250 Australians became organ donors in 2008, including 67 in Victoria,” Ms Morand said.

“A total of 846 people benefited from these donations last year, but more than 1800 Australians are still waiting for critical transplants. Recipients are grateful for the donations made, but we need many more.’’

Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world, and research shows that many Victorians have not discussed organ and tissue donation with their family and friends.

Ms Morand, a former transplant coordinator, said knowing a person’s wishes was the most important factor in determining family decision making.

“Registration alone with the Australian Organ Donor Registry (AODR) is not enough, the most important thing is talking to your loved ones and telling them you want to be an organ donor,’’ she said.

“This year’s awareness week centres on this theme; talking to your family and friends is a critical step, so when asked your family can confirm your wish to donate and save lives.”

At the Royal Children’s Hospital, Ms Morand met 19-month-old liver recipient Abbey Dutch and 5-year-old liver recipient Rose Thomas whose lives have been transformed by organ donation. Ms Morand also met donor mother Fulvia Fortuna, who followed her teenage daughter’s wishes to donate in 2006.

“Daniella’s story highlights how a simple family discussion can save the lives of people like Abbey and Rose,” Ms Morand said.

LifeGift Acting Executive Officer Bernie Dwyer said almost half of Victorians are unaware their next-of-kin will be asked to confirm their wishes about organ and tissue donation, even if the individual has registered their consent on the AODR.

“When health professionals consult families after a loved one has died, they find that families who do not know their loved one’s wishes are faced with a very difficult decision in extremely traumatic circumstances,” Ms Dwyer said.

“On the other hand, if a family knows their loved one’s wishes, confirming donation is made that little bit easier and it is likely donation will go ahead. Many Victorians die waiting for a transplant each year, so making sure your partner, family and friends know your wishes, is one of the most important steps you can take.”

Ms Morand said this year the Brumby Government will work with all Australian governments to implement a $151.1 million Commonwealth reform package.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure Victorians have a world-class health system, because we want Victorian families to get the treatment and care they deserve,’’ she said.

“This package aims to establish Australia as a world leader in organ and tissue donation, with a significant and lasting increase in the number of transplants for Australians.

“The package will see new organ donation medical directors and nurses placed in Victorian hospitals, enhanced education and training for health professionals and a national community awareness campaign focusing on the message Talk to your family.

“The organ donation rate in Australia is among the lowest in the world – with only 12 donors per million people. This package will save lives. It will improve lives. It will transform lives.”

LifeGift is managed by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. It is the Victorian Organ Donation Service and works with hospitals across Victoria and Tasmania to facilitate the donation of organs for transplantation.

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