ORGAN DONATION REPORT DRAWS RESPONSE

Several members of UVic's faculty are willing to respond to a report from the House of Commons health committee on organ donation which will be presented in Ottawa on April 22.

Dr. Rosalie Starzomski (nursing) appeared before the House standing committee and recommended a nationally coordinated system for regulating and managing organ donation, improved professional education and public education about organ donation and transplantation, and increased support for its research and evaluation. Starzomski has served for many years in many capacities with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and is a member of the nephrology ethics committee of St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre in Vancouver. (604) 323-5922.

Dr. Eike Henner Kluge (philosophy) also appeared before the House standing committee. In addition to Starzomski's recommendations, Kluge called for the introduction of a Canada-wide law, in the criminal code if necessary, banning next of kin from overruling the wishes of organ donors. Currently, 30 per cent of potential organ donations are cancelled by donors' next of kin. Kluge is a nationally-recognized bio-ethicist. (250) 721-7519.

Dr. Anita Molzahn, dean of human and social development, conducts research into quality of life issues raised by life-sustaining treatment. She is involved in a number of organizations associated with her research areas of kidney disease, the care of transplant recipients and the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and physicians regarding organ donation. (250) 721-8050. [PP]

 

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