Madam, – Your Editorial (“Organ donating”, February 5th) is both a timely and compelling reminder for those who will soon assume responsibility for health policy governance in this country. Organ donation rates in Ireland are falling well behind those of other European countries facing similar economic challenges.
The failure to introduce legislation that reflects world’s leading practice in organ donation has considerable consequences, not just for patients and their families but for society as a whole. As transplant waiting lists and waiting times grow, so too do the costs associated with keeping those waiting alive.
World’s leading practice in organ donation is well documented and is in the public domain — so we already know what steps are necessary to improve donation rates. Research from overseas would suggest that the barriers to successful organ donation do not lie with the general public, but rather within sections of the medical profession.
The failure to identify suitable donors in intensive care units appears to be one such barrier. I echo Dr Magee’s call (February 11th) for a discussion exploring the reasons behind the wide disparity in donor referral rates between major Irish teaching hospitals. The introduction of a national competent authority to oversee organ donation practices must bring with it the power of audit and the power to hold individual hospitals to account for their levels of organ donation.
The sensitivity required in broaching donation in the stressful environment of an intensive care waiting room is clearly something many health professionals find challenging. The appointment of full-time organ donor specialists would help remove this potential barrier while also promoting organ donation awareness locally.
Legislation to support forms of organ donation that increase the number of potential donors would represent a unique opportunity for the incoming government to have a positive and lasting impact on health outcomes in Irish society. Failure to do so will cost too many lives and too much money. – Yours, etc,