North York General Hospital recognized for organ and tissue donation

Trillium Gift of Life Network award

North York General Hospital (NYGH) has been awarded a 2018/19 Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) Achievement Award for its dedication to organ and tissue donation.

North York General is among 27 Ontario hospitals to receive the Provincial Conversion Rate Award for meeting or exceeding the conversion rate target (63%) set by Trillium Gift of Life Network. The conversion rate represents the percentage of potential organ donors who went on to become actual donors.

“North York General Hospital is an outstanding example of how applying leading donation practices can save lives,” says Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO, Trillium Gift of Life Network. “The award is a reflection of the culture of donation established at North York General and a reminder of the work that we still need to do in other communities across Ontario. We will not be complacent.”

More than 1,600 Ontarians remain on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone dies waiting for one. Pam was fortunate to receive a transplant in 2014. She received a heart and both lungs from a single donor.

“Before my transplant I couldn’t go shopping on my own, I couldn’t clean my house or walk the dog. I felt like I was giving up,” says Pam. Now, I’ve been given this gift, I have to use it. I can’t believe what one person’s selfless act of donating their organs did for me. It’s the greatest gift.”

This is the first time the Conversion Rate Award has been presented to NYGH. The award reflects the commitment to implement donation leading practices and integrate donation as part of quality end-of-life care.

“We work closely with Trillium Gift of Life Network to help us identify possible organ and tissue donors. Through this partnership, the hope is more families will have conversations about the importance of providing life-saving gifts to those in need,” says Wendy Cheung, Medical Program Director at NYGH.

One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 others through tissue donation. In Ontario, one in three people have formally registered their consent for organ and tissue donation.

“Without my donor, I probably wouldn’t be alive today. I would ask others, if you need an organ, would you accept one? If so, why wouldn’t you be willing to give one?” adds Pam.

Learn more at www.beadonor.ca.

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