Organ and Tissue Donation Program

At any one time, more than 4,000 people are on waiting lists for transplant operations that could enhance or save their lives. Each year, growing numbers of men, women and children die waiting for a transplant because there is a critical shortage of organs and tissues available.  

One critical reason is that the wishes of the potential organ donor are not known by the family. This is crucial because it is the family who makes the final decision regarding donation. While many support donation, a recent survey by the Mutual Group identified that less the 50 per cent of Canadians are aware of their family member’s wishes regarding donation of organs and tissues. In some provinces a printout of your wishes from the donor registry would be available; however, in other regions, where the hospital does not initiate or follow up discussion with the family regarding organ and tissue donation, donation may not occur. 

The decision to become an organ and tissue donor is a very personal one. It is extremely important that you discuss your wishes with your family, as this will enable them to carry out your wishes. They must know what you want to do if they are ever asked about donation of organs and tissues. You then make a decision and sign your health card, driver’s licence or registry card. 

Every organ donor can help save or improve the lives of many people. The organs which can be donated are the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and bowel. Organs cannot be stored and must be transplanted as soon as possible. 

To be an organ donor you must die from brain death. Brain death occurs in only 1 to 2 per cent of all deaths. Even with every donor being identified and all families consenting to donation, a shortage of organs may still exist. For this reason, research is underway to develop other means of meeting the need, such as the development of artificial organs. 

A person who becomes an organ donor invariably dies following a severe brain injury. Brain damage is so extensive that the brain dies as a result of insufficient blood and oxygen. Once brain death occurs, the body will die. With the artificial support of medicine and the respirator, the organs may function for a short time. Once brain death occurs, organ donation may proceed with the consent of the donor’s family. Since organs cannot be stored, transplantation is an emergency procedure. The family may remain with the donor while a search for a recipient is completed. Family members are supported throughout this difficult process. 

Yes. Each person receiving medical treatment is given the best medical care regardless of whether they may be a potential organ or tissue donor. It is only after all efforts to resuscitate a person fail, that organ donation is even considered. 

It varies depending on the organ, but in general, between 80 and 85 per cent of recipients are doing great one year after transplant. 

Tissue donation is possible with almost any kind of death. Major infections and a history of cancer are the two most common reasons why donation cannot occur. Tissue transplantation enhances lives by restoring function, promoting healing and providing vision. The tissues which can be donated are eyes, bone, skin, heart valves and veins. Tissues may be stored for days or even months.

If you die at the scene of an accident or at home, you cannot donate. The vital organs will have stopped functioning without the assistance of drugs and a respirator. However, you can donate important tissues such as eyes, heart valves, bones and veins. 

Yes. Make your wishes known to your family who will consent for you. Specify your wishes on your registry or donor card. 

No. Everyone should consider themselves a potential organ or tissue donor, regardless of their age. The health of the individual, not the age,  is the deciding factor. 

The process begins in the hospital after the person has been declared brain dead and the family has given permission for organ or tissue recovery to proceed. The time for the process is usually 24 hours. 

Yes. All organs and tissues being considered for transplant must undergo rigorous testing. This testing includes blood tests, a medical and social history and a physical examination. The reason that we have a test is to give the recipient the safest organs and tissues possible and to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Sometimes, even though the results of these tests are negative, the person can still have had some recent contact with the disease that is not yet showing up in his or her blood. Therefore, we also need to ask the family questions about personal and private activities such as lifestyle situations that are associated with the spread of these diseases. 

All major religions consider organ and tissue donation as a gift of life to another person. If you have any questions, you should consult your spiritual advisor or the hospital's spiritual care practitioners.

No. The organ and tissue recovery is carried out like any other surgical procedure and the donor is treated with utmost respect and dignity. Funeral arrangements need not be changed and if the family so chooses, an open casket is still possible. 

Legislation in many provinces ensures complete confidentiality for the donor. In Ontario, this legislation is the Trillium Gift of Life Act. Unless the family gives permission for that information to be released, only the immediate family need know about the donation. 

The buying and selling of organs is illegal in Canada. Canada’s Human Tissue Gift Act prohibits the sale of organs or tissues for profit. 

In Canada, organ and tissue recovery is covered by the health-care system. There are no extra costs to the family for medical procedures related to organ and tissue donation. The family pays for the funeral arrangements of their choice, as with any death.