Key Takeaways:
- Geoff Jessup received a liver transplant in 2013 and has since become an accomplished athlete, competing in the World Transplant Games.
- Australia has a low rate of registered organ donors, with only about one-third of the population registered, despite 80% of Australians supporting organ donation.
- The driver’s licence scheme, which allows people to register as organ donors when they apply for or renew their licence, has been shown to increase registration rates.
- South Australia leads the nation in registered organ donors, with 74% of the population registered, due to its continued use of the driver’s licence scheme.
- There are currently 1,800 people in Australia waiting for an organ transplant, and a further 14,000 people on dialysis who could benefit from a transplant.
Introduction to Organ Donation
The story of Geoff Jessup, a 69-year-old man who received a liver transplant in 2013, highlights the importance of organ donation. After a decade of illness and life-threatening infections, Jessup was given a second chance at life thanks to the generosity of an organ donor. He has since become an accomplished athlete, competing in the World Transplant Games, and is grateful for the gift of life he received. Jessup’s story is a testament to the impact that organ donation can have on individuals and families, and it underscores the need for more people to register as organ donors.
The Driver’s Licence Scheme
In Australia, the driver’s licence scheme, which allows people to register as organ donors when they apply for or renew their licence, has been shown to increase registration rates. Despite this, the scheme was phased out in every jurisdiction except South Australia, which now leads the nation with 74% of the population registered as organ donors. This is twice the national average, and it demonstrates the effectiveness of the scheme in increasing registration rates. Chris Thomas, the CEO of Transplant Australia, believes that reinstating the driver’s licence scheme could help increase the number of registered organ donors, and he is calling on state governments to take action.
The Need for More Registered Donors
There are currently 1,800 people in Australia waiting for an organ transplant, and a further 14,000 people on dialysis who could benefit from a transplant. The need for more registered donors is clear, and organizations such as Transplant Australia and DonateLife are working to raise awareness and increase registration rates. Lucinda Barry, the CEO of DonateLife, believes that the driver’s licence scheme is an effective way to increase registration rates, and she is calling for it to be reinstated in every state and territory. Barry also emphasizes the importance of registered donors speaking to their families about their wishes, as next of kin must give consent before organs can be donated.
The Importance of Family Consent
The importance of family consent in organ donation cannot be overstated. Even if someone is registered as an organ donor, their next of kin must still give consent before their organs can be donated. This is why it is essential for registered donors to speak to their families about their wishes. Those who are aware of the registered donor’s intentions are far more likely to give their consent, and this can make all the difference in the organ donation process. Geoff Jessup, who has written letters to his donor’s family, understands the magnitude of this decision and is grateful for the gift of life he received.
Government Response
In response to the need for more registered donors, some state governments are taking action. The Victorian government has announced that it will reinstate the driver’s licence scheme, and Western Australia has launched an awareness campaign that has led to a 30% increase in donor registration. However, other states, such as New South Wales and Queensland, have no plans to reinstate the scheme. The Northern Territory and the ACT have never had a driver’s licence donor registration scheme, and the Tasmanian Health Department is involved in national discussions to improve donor registration. It is clear that more needs to be done to increase registration rates and provide hope to those waiting for an organ transplant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Geoff Jessup highlights the importance of organ donation and the need for more people to register as donors. The driver’s licence scheme has been shown to be an effective way to increase registration rates, and it is essential that state governments take action to reinstate it. Additionally, registered donors must speak to their families about their wishes, and next of kin must give consent before organs can be donated. By working together, we can increase the number of registered donors and provide hope to those waiting for an organ transplant. As Geoff Jessup so eloquently puts it, "It’s the gift of life. To register as an organ donor means you are prepared to help someone live their life, even though you have lost your own."
