29 September 2008

Kidney donors recognised at Prince of Wales ceremony

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca today paid tribute to 18 kidney donors at a special ceremony at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick.

"The number of deceased donors is falling, but we’re seeing an increase in the number of live donors – relatives and friends going to great lengths for a loved one," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The number of live kidney transplants almost doubled between 2000 and 2007.

"Eight years ago, there were 45 live kidney donations in NSW and last year there were 89 transplants," he said.

Donors from Prince of Wales, Sydney Children’s, St George and Wollongong Hospitals attended a recognition ceremony today and were joined by their transplant survivors and families.

"Today’s ceremony is a great opportunity for us to stop and recognise the important difference that has been made to the lives of the recipients thanks to the generosity of these donors," Mr Della Bosca said.

"These donors have shown tremendous selflessness by providing a gift of life for others in need.

"There are some touching stories of parents donating kidneys to their children, between husband and wife and between friends.

Interestingly, last year there were two cases of anonymous donors in NSW," he said.

Chronic kidney disease is a significant and growing health problem that is responsible for the ongoing burden of illness and premature mortality.

• 11.3 percent of all deaths in Australia are due to or associated with kidney failure;

• six Australians commence dialysis every day to stay alive; and

• the average wait for a kidney transplant is four years.

"Kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease," Mr Della Bosca said.

"The decreasing numbers of deceased organ donation highlights a need for greater community awareness and a need to talk about the issue with friends and family," he said.

"Organ donation is an issue that people can be uncomfortable discussing with friends and family," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Only 500 organ donations take place each year across the country, which gives us one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the developed world, with NSW lower than other states and territories.

"While more than 90 percent of Australians support organ donation, a lack of communication means that families are often unaware of their loved one’s consent.

"NSW is working with the Commonwealth Government to address this national issue and is working to deliver a united approach to boost organ donations in Australia.

"The Commonwealth has committed $151 million to boost organ donation in Australia and NSW is assisting the development of this plan.

"I’ll be progressing the implementation of this plan at the next Ministerial Council meeting with my Commonwealth, State and Territory colleagues," he added.