The 2019 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity report showed that nationwide, 1,444 people received transplants from 548 deceased organ donors.

SA has recorded a 44 per cent increase in donors since 2018.

“Through this generosity, 52 South Australians saved the lives of 122 people on the organ recipient waitlist, giving them the ultimate gift of life,” said health minister Stephen Wade.

“Organ donation is front-of-mind for many selfless South Australians. As a result, our consent rate is the highest in the nation at 74 per cent, compared to a national consent rate of 62 per cent.

“Our hospitals have improved the donation process, giving families earlier access to donation specialists to guide them through what can be a very emotional time.”

DonateLife SA’s Dr Stewart Moodie said SA was the only state allowing individuals to egister on the national Australian Organ Donor Registry with their driver’s licence.

“The South Australian registration rate is 70 percent, which is the highest in the country compared to the national average of 34 per cent,” he said.

“The implementation of the End-of-Life Service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Lyell McEwin Health Service allows health professionals, including donation specialist nursing coordinators, medical specialists, and transplant and tissue staff, to work together to identify potential donors and support families through a time of grief.

“We are extremely grateful to all donor families for honouring the wishes of their loved ones, to help save others’ lives.”

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