Province to introduce policy allowing organ donation following cardiac death

The Manitoba government is working on a policy that allows organ donation following cardio-circulatory death, health minister Sharon Bladysaid by way of press release on Wednesday.

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That means when the policy is in place, organs can be donated after the heart stops beating. The most common organs donated in that scenario are kidneys, the press release said.

Blady said the changeis expected to increase donation rates by between 20 and 25 per cent by helping families to donate the organs of a loved one.

"When there is no hope of recovery for loved ones, more Manitoba families will be able to consider choosing organ donation and honour the wishes of a family member," she said.

According to the province, policies and procedures will guide the new process.

Following a critical careteam's assessment that a patient will not recover and the family decides to end life support, the possibility of organ donation will be brought forward as an option for families to consider.

The medical director of Transplant Manitoba Gift of Life is in favour of the new policy.

"Members of our team meet families on what is likely the worst day of their lives," said Dr. Adrian Robertson.

"Families will often tell us that knowing organ donation is a possibility offers them the only window of hope during a very dark time and to be able to offer that hope to more families is outstanding."