Why is the waiting list for donated organs and tissues so long?
One critical reason is that the wishes of the potential organ donor are not known by the family. This is crucial because it is the family who makes the final decision regarding donation. While many support donation, a recent survey by the Mutual Group identified that less the 50% of Canadians are aware of their family member’s wishes regarding donation of organs and tissues. In some provinces a printout of your wishes from the donor registry would be available; however in other regions, where the hospital does not initiate or follow up discussion with the family regarding organ and tissue donation, donation may not occur.
