Organ and Tissue Donation Program

Overview

We believe that the act of donation can benefit a grieving family by providing a sense of hope that something positive has otherwise come from a tragic loss.

The Ottawa Hospital Organ and Tissue Donation Program is the primary referral centre for all adult donors within the Ottawa-Carleton Region. 

 The primary purpose of the program is to facilitate the organ and tissue donation process at The Ottawa Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in adherence to national safety and practice standards. The donor rate has ranged between 18 and 31 donors per million population, which is significantly higher than both the provincial and national rates of 13 to14 donors per million population.

Our philosophy

The Ottawa Hospital is an academic health science centre with a primary mandate to preserve life. It is realized that this is not always possible, and at this time, organ and tissue donation should be considered.

We believe that through government legislation, national standards of practice and increased awareness, those needing lifesaving and life-enhancing organ and tissue transplantation may have an improved quality of life.

We believe families and significant others have the right to make informed decisions regarding organ and tissue donation harmonious with their own values and beliefs. The family will be fully supported in their decision.

By liaising with health-care professionals we ensure the donation process is optimized to its potential. We are accountable for improving the donation process. In doing so, we offer support and respect to those who have so graciously given the “Gift of Life.”