23 December 2004
Link Nurse Joins Alice Springs Hospital
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Dr Chris Burns MLA
Acting Minister for Health
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A Territory nurse with 20 years experience in intensive care is to promote and co-ordinate organ donation in Central Australia , Acting Health Minister Dr Chris Burns announced today.
This is the first time the Northern Territory has had a dedicated “Link Nurse” – whose main duty will be to encourage Territorians to become registered organ donors.
“The organs from one person can save or improve the lives of up to 10 other people,” Dr Burns said.
“The rates of organ donation are increasing slightly as people become more aware of the need, but the Territory still has the lowest percentage of organ donors in Australia .
“Only five per cent of Territorians are registered organ donors as opposed to the national average of 25 per cent.
“One of the biggest drawbacks is when people don’t tell their families they want to become organ donors and something tragic happens to that person.
“Michael George’s position will involve asking the patient’s relatives if they would allow a donation to take place.
“It is without a doubt a very tough job but it is a job that needs to be done, and I commend Mr George for taking on this role.
Alice Springs transplant recipient Russell Harvy applauded the Government’s newly created role, adding that he believed it would help save lives.
“I am pleased that we have Mr George here and it will be a big help to create awareness about organ donation in the region,” Mr Harvy said.
“It is a sad fact that people die from accidents but maybe some further good will come of it through organ donation as the organs from one person are able to save the lives of many.”
Mr Harvy’s best friend, Philip Pittaway, donated a kidney to him two years ago and both grandfathers now lead full and healthy lives.
The NT Government has exceeded its election promise to increase the number of hospital based nursing staff by 75 in its first term of government. Since 2001, 97 fully funded new hospital based nursing positions have been created.