Monday, 30 June 2008

Turner - Government neglects organ donation crisis

The Government deserves to be held to account over falling organ donation rates says UnitedFuture deputy leader Judy Turner.

"With burgeoning demand and a reducing supply of organs the Labour Government has overseen a near-crisis in donation rates in this country," said Mrs Turner.

"The organ donor rates to the end of May are the lowest this century, including 2006 which saw our lowest total ever with just 25 donors registering, which puts us at the bottom of all developed countries."

"It is time that the Government's neglect of falling organ donations is made into a front-line election issue."

"Resources have to be made available to better inform the public on the need, the means and the circumstances that are necessary to enable an organ donation to be made."

"There are a ton of unexplored strategies to be considered. The payment of funeral expenses, better use of blood donor resources to identify willing donors and affordable public education are just a few ideas that need closer scrutiny."

"For the growing number of people sitting on the waiting list reliant on organ donations, the situation is critical, the Labour Government should be held to account come election time," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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