Joseph Brant Hospital Receives Organ and Tissue Donation Award

Burlington, ON – Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) has been honoured by Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) for its outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation in Ontario in 2022/23.

 "Every day, we are committed to delivering exceptional care, which extends to honouring the end-of-life preferences of our patients and their families amidst the challenges they face," said Dr. Paul Lysecki, Hospital Donation Physician at JBH for TGLN.

In 2022/23 JBH was awarded the Provincial Conversion Rate Award for achieving a 75% conversion rate, exceeding the provincial target of 63% set by Ontario Health (TGLN). The conversion rate is the percentage of potential organ donors who went on to become actual donors.

"We are proud to have received this recognition as it highlights the unwavering dedication and commitment of the interdisciplinary team in the Intensive Care Unit, the surgical team, laboratory  and diagnostics team at JBH," said Theresa Ferrari, ICU Manager and lead for organ donation operations at JBH. “This award is in recognition of the collective work of many programs and services, all who play a vital role in the overall success of the donation process.”

In 2022/23, Joseph Brant Hospital supported 3 organ donors, which led to 10 organs donated for transplant, saving 9 lives. Additionally, there were 32 tissue donors, enhancing the lives of many others.

"Support for organ and tissue donation among Ontarians stands strong at 90%, yet only 35% are registered donors,” said Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Health (Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network).

 “BeADonor Month is a significant opportunity for the province to come together to bridge this gap by educating and inspiring people to register, while also fostering hope, nurturing compassion, and empowering individuals to have important conversations with their loved ones."

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

One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of tissue. Ontarians can register their consent to organ and tissue donation at BeADonor.ca.