Guelph General Hospital receives three achievement awards from Trillium Gift of Life Network

The Surgical and Intensive Care teams at Guelph General Hospital were honoured with three achievement awards by Trillium Gift of Life Network, in recognition of their impressive results in organ and tissue donation.

Organ and tissue donation requires the dedicated and compassionate work of an interdisciplinary team at Guelph General Hospital including Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists. In 2021/2022, this team supported 2 organ donors, which led to 4 organs donated for transplant, and 20 tissue donors enhancing the lives of many.

The hospital was awarded the Provincial Conversion Rate Award, the Award of Excellence, and the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award.

“We are so proud of our team at Guelph General Hospital being recognized. The fact that we were able to move forward in light of the pandemic, and with such tremendous results, is a testament to our commitment and dedication to caring for our community,” said Melissa Skinner, Vice-President Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive.

The Provincial Conversion Rate Award recognizes the hospital for reaching a conversion rate of 100 percent, which exceeds the target of 63 percent set by Ontario Health (TGLN). Organ donation is a complex process, and the conversion rate reflects how well Ontario Health (TGLN) and Guelph General Hospital work together to save lives.

The hospital was also honoured with the Award of Excellence for meeting or exceeding the provincial target for conversion rate for four consecutive years, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the implementation of donation leading practices.

The Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award was also given to Guelph General Hospital for meeting or exceeding the provincial eligible approach rate target of 90 percent set by Ontario Health (TGLN). This award recognizes hospitals for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion between Ontario Health (TGLN) and eligible patients and or families of patients at end of life. Guelph General Hospital has achieved a 92 percent eligible approach rate and is receiving this award for the first time.

“The success of organ and tissue donation in Ontario relies on the hard work and dedication of our health care partners. Guelph General Hospital has made an outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation and these awards are a reflection of their commitment to implementing leading donation practices, integrating donation as part of quality end-of-life care, and continuously working to save lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario Health.

Today, almost 1,400 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.

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 – you just need to visit www.beadonor.ca and have your health card number available.