On 2 July 2008, the Prime Minister (Kevin Rudd) announced a new funding package of $151.1m. to develop and implement world's best practice in Australia for organ and tissue donation. There are six elements to the package:
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$67 million to fund dedicated organ donation specialist doctors and other staff in public and private hospitals;
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$46 million to establish a new independent national authority to coordinate national organ donation initiatives.
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$17 million in new funding for hospitals to meet additional staffing, bed and infrastructure costs associated with organ donation.
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$13.4 million to continue national public awareness and education;
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$1.9 million for counselling for potential donor families; and
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Other significant measures including enhanced professional education programs, consistent clinical protocols, ‘clinical trigger' checklists and data collection for organ transplants in hospitals.
A new national authority for organ and tissue donation will be up and running by 1 January 2009.
(Source: http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Release/2008/media_release_0340.cfm)
Prime Minister 's Press Release (28 KB)
The Prime Minister was asked a question in the House of Representatives on 4 September 2008.
See also the Health and Ageing - Organ and Tissue Donation website.
Register for Organ Donation
Are you registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register? Unless you’ve got one of these blue cards, you’re not registered. Click here to register on line or call 1800 777 203.
Terry ConnollyJustice Terry Connolly died suddenly in the early morning of 25 September 2007 on Red Hill, having cycled to the top as part of his exercise routine. He was a Supreme Court Judge since 2003, and Master since 1996. Terry was the Member for Molonglo in 1990-1995 and served as the ACT Attorney-General and Minister in various portfolios, including Health. He and his family have lived in Canberra for many years and he was a popular Canberran. More importantly, Terry was a husband, father, son and, following his death, a tissue donor. Terry’s wife, Dr Helen Watchirs, says that she and Terry had discussed their wishes in relation to organ donation. This meant that at the dreadful time of death, she was clear on his wishes. Terry’s donation to the improvement of other lives has given Helen and his daughters a sense of contribution, and has helped make up for a life cut short. |
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