Transplants fall despite $150m funding injections

Organ transplants fall despite $150m funding injection
4th Transplant Scorecard reveals falling transplant numbers since 2008

19 February, 2010

The latest Organ Transplant Scorecard released by ShareLife today and based on data provided by ANZOD, reveals a disappointing decline in Australian transplant numbers. This is despite the $151.1 million transplant reform package launched in July 2008 by the Rudd Government.

The clear objective announced at that launch was: “to establish Australia as a world leader in organ donation for transplantation”. The package developed has drawn together the best international evidence and practice.” (Press Office, Office of Minister of Health 2 July 2008)

The total number of transplants in 2009 declined to 799, down from 832 in 2008.

Despite the funding, a number of the leading country structures and reforms within the package are yet to be implemented. However, ShareLife supports Government commitment to address any shortcomings with corrective action being taken as a matter of urgency.

“There are many committed, hard working people trying to change Australia’s donor rate and access to transplants and with substantial goodwill at the coalface, however a downward trend remains despite a brief upturn following the announcement in July 2008,” said transplant recipient Brian Myerson from ShareLife.

“Strong leadership, communication and comprehensive implementation of the proven catalogued structures and practices of leading countries, is needed.”

ShareLife will continue to release quarterly score cards of Australia organ recipient performance once the data is released by ANZOD, and looks forward to seeing significant step change improvement towards leading country performance.

-ENDS-

See... Organ_Transplant_Scorecard_Q4__FINAL.doc

About ShareLife
ShareLife, an independent group of business, community leaders, and medical practitioners, studied and catalogued (over 18 months) the practices of countries with the highest transplant access including Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, the United States, Austria and The Netherlands. This formed the blue print for the Government’s transplant package announced in July 2008. Additional information concerning ShareLife can be obtained by visiting www.sharelifeaustralia.com.au

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