Western Australians urged to sign up to organ donor register

18/2/02
Health Minister Bob Kucera today urged all Western Australians to become registered organ and tissue donors.
Launching Australian Organ Donor Awareness week at the Wesley Medicare Centre, Mr Kucera said there were approximately 600,000 adults in WA who were registered donors.
"Although this is the highest commitment to donation for any State in Australia, I would like to see this number increase further," he said.
"Since DonateWest was established in July 2000, tissue donation rates have increased by 100 per cent, which has resulted in reduced transplant waiting lists.
"As there can be no transplantation without donors and the important support of their families, it is vital that we all talk to friends and family about organ donation and our wishes.
"The uplifting side to making a decision to donate is knowing the wishes of our loved one has been honoured and seeing the unique and wonderful results of a life enhancing gift."
Mr Kucera said organ and tissue donation represented an opportunity to make a positive and valuable contribution from a tragic death.
"On behalf of all Western Australians, I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful people who have provided the gift of life through donation, who have honoured the wishes of their loved one by consenting to donation," he said.
All this week, Medicare offices across the State will be promoting National Organ Donor Awareness week.
More information on registering as a donor can be obtained from local Medicare offices or call the Australian Organ Donor Register on 1800 777 203.
Minister's Office - 9213 7000