Europe - European day for organ donation and transplantation

Citation

(2011), "Europe - European day for organ donation and transplantation", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2011.06224bab.007

Europe - European day for organ donation and transplantation

Article Type: News and views From: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 24, Issue 2

Keywords: Organ donation and transplantation, Quality of life improvement, Healthcare legality

For 2010, Georgia has offered to host this event, which will take place in Tbilisi. This Day is to be hosted by Ministry of Health of Georgia and the Georgian Association of Transplantologists (GAT). This year, the slogan for the Day is “Become a donor – save a life”.

The need for organ transplants is increasing worldwide. The ongoing lack of available organs has resulted in an increase in the number of patients on the waiting list. In the European Union (EU) alone, 50,000 people are waiting for organ donations. Each day, on average, 12 people die while waiting for a transplant.

The idea behind this day, initiated by the Council of Europe, is to help a different member state each year to encourage debate and provide information on organ donation and transplantation, legal and medical measures so that each person can decide on donation and make their wishes known to their family.

It is about helping member states to promote organ donation and transplantation, and mobilise hospitals and professionals on the identification of potential donors. It is also an opportunity to honour all organ donors and their families and to thank transplantation professionals throughout Europe whose hard work helps saving lives and improving the quality of life of many people.

The conference will begin with an opening ceremony during which the Georgian authorities and representatives will address the participants.

The programme covers a wide variety of issues and topics, including the Council of Europe’s strategies in the field of organ transplantation, organ transplantation activities in Georgia and Caucasus, the “Spanish model” of organ donation and World Health Organization (WHO) and EU policies.

This meeting will provide physicians, surgeons, nurses, transplant coordinators and all other organ procurement personnel with up-to-date information on the different aspects of organ donation.

For more information: www.edqm.eu