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Back to SearchNovember 16, 2018 — Ottawa — CHEO was recognized by Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), Ontario’s organ and tissue donation and transplantation agency, for its outstanding work to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care.
CHEO was one of only three hospitals given the Provincial Routine Notification Rate Award for achieving a 100 per cent routine notification rate throughout 2017–18. Routine notification is the rate at which hospitals notify Trillium Gift of Life Network when a patient has died and there is the potential for organ and tissue donation.
CHEO has received the Provincial Routine Notification Rate Award for two consecutive years.
“Organ donation is a complex process; one that requires teamwork, trust and dedication. This award reflects how well CHEO and TGLN work together to make organ donation a reality for donors and their families in our community,” said Dr. Michael Hartwick, an Intensivist at The Ottawa Hospital and Regional Medical Lead for TGLN.
“From the senior leadership team to a new nurse, all CHEO staff and physicians strive to honour our patient’s wishes, recognize donation opportunities and save lives,” said Dr. Dhanani. “We’re proud to be recognized for the impact our work has on our community.”
CHEO is one of 29 hospitals and partners to be awarded a 2017–18 Trillium Gift of Life Network Hospital Award.
“We are proud to acknowledge the important contributions of our hospital partners because the success of organ and tissue donation in Ontario relies on their hard work and dedication,” says Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO of the Trillium Gift of Life Network. “This award reflects the continued commitment of CHEO to implement donation best practices and offer families the opportunity to make a lifesaving choice.”
Today, more than 1,500 people in Ontario are on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant, and every three days someone will die without one. While the majority of Canadians support donation, only 33 per cent of Ontarians have formally registered their consent for organ and tissue donation. Ottawa’s registration rate is 40% and the city ranks 113 out of 170 communities in the province.
Some people believe that their age or medical condition prevents them from being a donor. In actuality, age does not preclude someone from becoming a donor and each potential donor is assessed at the time of death for medical suitability. Others may not have registered under the mistaken assumption that doctors won’t work hard to save a life if that patient is a registered donor; but in fact, the first priority is always to save a life. Donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts are exhausted, there is no chance of recovery, and the family accepts the diagnosis of death.
Visit BeADonor to register or find out more about organ and tissue donation in Ontario.
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Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.