Last year, 282 organ donations were made in Ireland through the selflessness of 95 deceased and 30 living donors and their families.
Dr Catherine Motherway, who led the University of Limerick's ICU for more than 20 years before retiring in 2022, is the HSE's Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, working with the Irish Organ Donation and Transplant Authority and the National Organ Procurement Agency.
She believes that organ donation, whether deceased or living, is a “wonderful thing” for both the donor and the donor's family.
“Organ donation is a wonderful thing that families can do in their situation, if that's what they want,” she said. sunday world.
“If you've ever had a conversation with a loved one, it's a huge relief to know that you're actually doing what they want.
“I think it's really great that they bring a little bit of positivity in the midst of the untimely end of a life that's always been really sad and tragic.
“Generally, I think our donors are great human beings. Ideally, I think this is something that people should be encouraged to do.”
Last year, 282 organ donations took place in Ireland thanks to the selflessness of 95 deceased and 30 surviving organ donors and their families.
However, with hundreds of people remaining on the waiting list, we must emphasize the need for organ donation.
Dr. Motherway explained that people with cystic fibrosis, heart failure, liver failure, or kidney dialysis may need a transplant.
She said: “I don't think there's a person in this country who doesn't know someone who hasn't been touched or affected by organ donation, either as a donor, as a recipient of an organ, or as someone waiting for an organ donation.”Organs .
“There are over 600 people waiting, and in the circumstances that people are in, the act of giving can help the healing and grieving process, especially when you know that's what they wanted.” It may happen.”
Ireland has one of the lowest mortality rates in Europe, but it's important to not be afraid to talk about death and your wishes after you're gone.
But while it can be a daunting topic, it doesn't have to be.
“There's no need to have deep, meaningful conversations about it,” Dr. Motherway suggested.
“You need to say it right away to your next of kin, or to the person who is likely to be sitting by your bedside at the end of the day, usually your family, and that it's good to talk about it because we're going to be together at Christmas.” I think so.
“And really, just mentioning it is okay. It doesn't have to be a big, meaningful conversation, but it can be very helpful if your wish is something you want someone to know.” ”
You can also consent to become an organ donor by checking the box when renewing your driving license, or confirm your wishes by downloading a virtual organ donor card from the Irish Kidney Association. Masu.
She was speaking ahead of the Human Tissue Act 2024, which will soon see the introduction of an “opt-out” system for organ donation, giving those who do not want to become an organ donor the opportunity to register their disinterest. .
“In those situations, if someone says they don't want to be an organ donor, we don't approach the family. We don't ask, and that's it,” Dr. Motherway explained.
“I have no problem with that. It's completely their choice. Everyone has the right to their own physical integrity and do whatever they want.
“But if you don't object to organ donation, even if there's a new law, your family will still be asked. So if they have some idea of what you want. It's important to be there.
“It’s still very important to have those conversations because someone else may benefit from your donation.”
