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How to sign on to save lives
Taking the next step is one of two stages that must be completed to make sure the decision to be an organ donor is recognised by both the family and medical staff.
Step One: Sign on to the Australian Organ Donor Register
Step Two: Talk about your intentions and wishes about organ donation with your family and those close to you.
It is extremely important that people who wish to donate their organs register their name with the Australian Organ Donor register. This is the only national register, and having your intentions registered on a driver’s licence is not an option in all states. So to make sure a person’s consent is registered, the process of how to do this is outlined below. This chapter also explains how you will know if you are on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Your decision
Your decision has not been recorded with the Australian Organ Donor Register without one of these cards.
These cards indicate that you have registered with the Australian Organ Donor Register correctly. They also indicate that you’ve consented to donate organs and/or tissue, and that by signing you have also verified this decision.
You can update your details any time by:
- calling 1800 777 203
- visiting your local Medicare office
This card shows you have registered your intention to donate organs and/or tissue.
In practice, a clinician will not differentiate between intent and consent, both are considered equal decisions. However, the clinician will always seek approval from the person’s family before proceeding with the donation process.
Did you know?
You can now strengthen your decision regarding organ and tissue donation to consent. Giving your consent not only means you have verified your decision with your signature, but it will also help ease the burden on your family and friends -- as they will know exactly what you want.
How to register or change details as an organ donor?
There are a number of ways to sign on to the organ donor register.
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- Visit the local Medicare office
- Telephone: 1800 777 203
Below is a sample of the Donor Registration Form
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Talk to your family
People’s opinions about organ and tissue donation and transplantation are influenced by their cultural, ethical, spiritual and religious views. This makes it especially important for all Australians to make their own decision about donation.
Discussion with your family and friends is a central part of this. If you die in circumstances where organ and tissue donation are possible, your family will be contacted and asked how you felt about donation. Although it is the senior next of kin who actually agrees to organs and tissues being removed, other family members or close friends may be involved in discussions about your wishes.
Raising the subject of organ donation
Discussing the issue for organ donation is not an easy topic for discussion around the dinner table. This might be due to a number of considerations:
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Cultural
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Religious
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Personal
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Ethical
But once the decision is made to sign on to the Australian Organ Donor Register, it is important to discuss it with family, your partner, or a close friend. These conversations are an important part of the donation process and family or friends should be made aware of your consent (or objection).
In the event of death, a family member, partner or friend may be asked about the decision to be an organ and/or tissue donor. This is to confirm there has been no change of mind since recording consent (or objection). They may also be asked questions regarding medical history to determine which organs and/or tissue may be suitable for transplantation.
The more family members who know of the decision to donate organs and/or tissue, the more likely donation will proceed. The more comfortable and informed the family is the more likely it will support the decision to be on the register.
The Australian Organ Donor Register offers a simple and accessible method of recording a person's decision about donation.
Taking the next step