When you register to become an organ donor you are, in effect, giving one of the greatest gifts that you can give. There are approximately 5.3 million people currently listed in the Australian Organ Donor Register. About 2000 people are listed on transplant waiting lists throughout Australia at any one time, and it is a fact that some of them will die waiting for an organ. This is Australia's only national organ and tissue donor register. Its purpose is to serve as the lifeline for the people on the various waiting lists. Entering your name in the Register is the final, and most significant step, in the process you undertake in helping your fellow Australians. The decision to register should also involve your family so that your wishes are clearly known and hopefully, supported by them.

The Australian State's Health Ministers decided that from July 2005 the Register would be a register of consent, or objection if desired, that records an individual's decision about being an organ or tissue donor following their death. The Register will enable your wishes regarding donation of organs or tissue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to those people charged with the responsibility of locating suitable donors for the critically ill patients in need of organ and tissue transplant.

If you need to alter your registration details or desires in any way then it can easily be done by lodging a new registration form, which you can download online, pickup from any Medicare office or by calling 1800 777 203

 

To learn more about becoming a Donor or to register, click here