Press Release: Tuesday 16 May 2023
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has today (16 May 2023) launched Organ Donor Awareness Week 2023.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said “I am delighted to see that the organ donation and transplantation system in Ireland has recovered substantially from the impact of COVID-19, with 250 transplants performed last year.
“We have also seen further growth this year with an astounding total of 81 transplants performed in the first quarter of 2023. This is the best start to a year that our organ donation and transplantation system has ever had.”
“I want to thank all of those involved: the transplant centres, ICU staff, organ donor nurse managers, Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, and all of those who have worked to raise awareness.”
At the event, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to further develop the Organ donation and transplantation system in Ireland.
“As a Government, we have taken a number of measures over the past few years to improve organ donation and transplantation services in Ireland. This includes the introduction of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill and the provision of €2.25 million in additional funding to support the ongoing development of transplant services.
“The Human Tissue Bill will introduce an opt-out system of organ donation to Ireland. It will help us to increase the amount of organs available for donation to patients in need. Consent will be central to this system, and those who object to donating their organs, for whatever reason, will be able to opt out.”
Speaking to this year’s theme for Organ Donation Awareness Week, the Minister said:
“The theme of this year’s Organ Donor Awareness Week is #LeaveNoDoubt. I urge everyone to please discuss organ donation with your loved ones, and let them know of your intention to donate. By doing this, you will give them the comfort of knowing they’ve carried out your wishes if you pass on, and will leave them with no doubt.
“Organ donation is the gift of life to another. Transplantation brings a profound improvement in the quality of life for a transplant recipient, and can give them a second chance at life. For this reason, it is so important that we raise awareness of this each Organ Donor Awareness Week.”
The key message for the week is to encourage people to speak to their loved ones about organ donation and to let them know what your wishes are should you pass away. Sharing your wishes when you are in good health makes it a less stressful decision for your family in the event of them being approached about you being a potential organ donor.
For further information on Organ Donor Awareness Week, contact Gwen O’Donoghue – 086 8241447 / gwen@ika.ie