St Joseph's Nudgee College

February 25, 2011

Image Gallery

Click an image to see a full version:

St Joseph’s Nudgee College Year 12 Health Education students ventured into the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital last week as part of their studies.  

Acting Head of Health Education Mr Sean Toovey reports on the visit.

This term the students are studying the issues that arise from Organ and Tissue Donation. The hospital visit helped the students to experience first-hand what it was like to live with organ failure as well as consolidate their learning up until that point of the term.

The boys were fortunate enough to speak with leaders in the field with regards to kidney health as well as some of the highly trained medical professionals.

Mrs Angela McInness, who is one of the Organ Coordinators in Queensland, spoke to the boys about many of the issues that make organ donation a difficult prospect.

Some of the pivotal statistics she made the boys aware of included:

  • One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to ten people and significantly improve the lives of dozens more.
  • The most important thing that helps a family's decision is their knowing the wishes of their loved one.
  • Around 1700 people are on Australian organ transplant waiting lists at any one time.
  • 40% of Australians do not know the donation wishes of their loved ones.

During the visit to the dialysis unit, the boys were also afforded the opportunity to interact with patients, discovering how their kidney failure has affected their socialisation, employability and general quality of life.

The trip also coincided with Donate Life week, which runs from 20th-27th February.

The biggest message the organ donation team are trying to get out is the importance of having a conversation with your family about your wishes as they are responsible for making the decision about donation after you have passed away.

If you are considering becoming an organ or tissue donor, register your interest by following the links at the Queenslander Donate website and speak with your loved ones to make sure they are aware of your wishes.