Organ transplant numbers increase
MORE people in the Tweed area benefited from life-saving organ transplants than ever before.
North Coast area director of organ donation Dr Mike Lindley-Jones said the average of one organ donation per year in the Tweed area had gone up to six in the past financial year.
While this is a dramatic increase in local donation rates, this week Parliamentary secretary for health and ageing Catherine King also announced the national rate had gone up.
In the first five months of this year, Australia has seen a 19% increase in organ donation and transplants across the board.
Ms King said 416 Australians received life-saving and life-changing transplants from 141 deceased organ donors.
Tweed area resident
Marion Walsham received a double-lung transplant in 2009 and credits the increase in local figures to Dr Lindley-Jones and his team.
“It's absolutely wonderful news,” Ms Walsham said of the improved statistics.
“I give full credit to the Tweed Heads team for really getting behind the cause with empathy and support.”
To find out more about organ donation, registering visit www.donatelife.gov.au.
