WRH Awarded For Organ & Tissue Donation
2-11-2021
Windsor Regional Hospital has been recognized by Ontario Health’s Trillium Gift of Life Network for its outstanding efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care in 2020/21.
During a special award broadcast held Nov. 2, hosted by Trillium Gift of Life Network and attended by WRH representatives and officials from peer hospitals in our region, WRH was honoured to receive a Provincial Conversion Rate Award for meeting or exceeding the target conversion rate of 63 percent set by Ontario Health. The conversion rate is the percentage of potential organ donors (patients who die in a hospital setting and are deemed medically suitable for donation) who went on to become actual donors. This was the fifth year WRH has received this award.
In addition, WRH is also one of nine Ontario hospitals to receive the Award of Excellence for meeting or exceeding the provincial target for conversion rate in four or more consecutive years, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the implementation of the donation leading practices.
“There is an incredible amount of teamwork involved in making organ and tissue donation a part of all patient's end-of-life care. Being recognized with the Award of Excellence for exceeding a conversion rate of 63 percent five years in a row is a tremendous honour. It recognizes all of the behind-the-scenes work and consistent commitment by our multidisciplinary team toward the implementation of donation leading practices to provide patients with the best end-of-life care possible,” said Dr. Natalie Malus, Medical Director, Intensive Care Unit, who accepted the awards on WRH’s behalf. “This award also speaks to the generosity of those families who in a time of tragedy, are able to give the amazing gift of life. This calendar year, Windsor Regional Hospital has had numerous donors who have allowed many lives to be saved or enhanced.”
This year, Trillium Gift of Life Network also introduced the Eligible Approach Rate Award for hospitals that meet or exceed the target of a 90 percent eligible approach rate set by TGLN. This award recognizes hospitals for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion with eligible patients/families of patients at end of life. WRH has achieved a 100 percent eligible approach rate and also received this award.
Jean Meloche, Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, also received the Hospital Donation Champion Award, given to healthcare professionals who are exceptional advocates for organ and tissue donation. Jean is one of only nine individuals in Ontario who were recognized with the Donation Champion Award for embracing donation and leading culture change inside the hospital.
“I would like to thank our brave families and patients for allowing us to stand with them during their donation journeys,” said Meloche. “A huge shout-out and thanks to the entire ICU team and know that each member of our team plays a very important role in the organ donation process and I’m very privileged to say that I work with the best people.”
Dr. Malus called Meloche a ‘true champion of organ and tissue donation’ saying her enthusiasm and advocacy contribute to her ability to be a leader for the cause.
“WRH has made an outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation in Ontario and this award is a reflection of that important work,” says Judy Linton, Chief Nursing Executive & Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs Executive. Ontario Health.
“The collaboration and partnership Ontario Health (TGLN) has with our hospitals is critical to saving lives and we are so appreciative of their ongoing commitment. Every Ontarian has the opportunity to demonstrate their support for this life-saving work by registering their consent to donate organs and tissue at BeADonor.ca.”
Today, more than 1,500 people are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone will die waiting. Over 90 percent of Ontarians support donation, yet only 35 percent have formally registered their consent for organ and tissue donation.
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. By registering consent to donate, you make your family aware of your decision to save lives. Visit BeADonor.ca to register your consent today.
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