By Derek Schlennstedt
Talking to families donating the organs of their loved one at the end of life may seem to make for a difficult day, but for some nurses it’s part of a reality that makes their job worth doing.
“It’s an option to give families some comfort by giving them information about organ donation.”
“If they believe that aligns with their loved one’s wishes then we continue to go forward.
“Quite often its brings them comfort, being offered something out of nothing.. … it’s a silver lining,” said Kristen Wilmott, a specialist nursing co-ordinator with DonateLife Victoria
Ms Wilmott’s role is state-based, although lately, she has been spending some time at the Angliss Hospital in Ferntree Gully where organ donation is now possible.
Victoria currently has more organ donors than any other state, and last year saw a record number of organ donors (193, up from 148 the previous year).
This meant 529 lives were saved thanks to organ transplantation surgery.
The recent addition of an Intensive Care Unit at Angliss Hospital means organ donation is now also available.
“With the Angliss Hospital opening an intensive care unit, it means we can facilitate organ donation,” Ms Willmott said.
“Angliss has been recognised as a growing health provider and we want to be able to offer and provide best practice.”
“It’s giving people that option.”
Nursing co-ordinators such as Ms Wilmott facilitate the organ donation process by talking to families about consent, arranging for organs and tissues to be tested for compatibility with potential recipients, organising operating theatres and liaising with intensive care staff and surgeons.
Ms Willmott agrees her job is rewarding, but rarely the same.
“We can be placed in any hospital in Victoria at a moment’s notice, but to talk with people and make donation happen is extraordinary.”
