“Organ donors and their families are the true heroes.”

“Organ donors and their families are the true heroes.”

At Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), every organ and tissue donation is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our healthcare professionals. Working together, they honour the end-of-life wishes of patients and their families with compassion and collaboration. Each donation embodies a narrative of courage, compassion, and hope.

During BeADonor month, we highlight the work of our teams in aiding these donations. The process of facilitating each donation involves approximately eight distinct teams, from the initial assessment of a patient's suitability as a donor to the coordination of organ recovery and transplantation.

This year, we are spotlighting the Laboratory department. They are key in assessing suitability and safety prior to transplantation. The team performs routine and specialized testing for organ donor screening and allocation, including Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Medicine testing with additional blood group A2 subtyping, and Microbiology sendouts. 

“Our department values the selfless decision made by a stranger to register as an organ donor, in order to give a second life another chance to live a healthier one,” said Derek Medeiros, Senior Laboratory Technologist and Quality Coordinator. “We support the notion that as community members and partners in healthcare, we can all make a difference. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality and timely results to support the cause!”

In Ontario, almost 1,400 people are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days, someone will die waiting. Over 90 per cent of Ontarians support donation, yet only 35 per cent have formally registered their consent.

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue. To learn more about becoming an organ and tissue donor, visit www.beadonor.com.