Organ and Tissue Donation

Organ donation can only happen when a person is on a ventilator in an intensive care unit and has fatal brain damage. Less than 1% of all deaths happen this way. You can donate your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Tissue donation – heart valves, eyes and skin – can occur in many more circumstances. Eye donation can take place in a hospital, hospice or funeral home and can be facilitated a number of hours after death.

One donor can save or dramatically improve the lives of up to 10 people. Remember to talk to your loved ones about your wishes.

A Donor Co-ordinator is available 24 hours a day to facilitate organ and tissue donation and to answer any questions or queries you might have. Phone 0800 4 DONOR or (09) 630 0935 (24 hours).

Organ Donation New Zealand has brochures and posters available for use – email donornz@adhb.govt.nz to order these free of change. We are also available to speak at public events or service groups.

www.donor.co.nz

Media release

• Thank you from transplant recipients