In honour of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) is proudly highlighting its continued commitment to organ and tissue donation, as well as the dedicated staff and physicians who ensure that donation is part of end-of-life care.
Since joining Ontario’s Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) in 2013, PRH has worked hard to support the donation process and raise awareness about the importance of registering as a donor.
“Our hospital’s involvement in the Routine Notification program ensures that every patient death is reported to TGLN,” said PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann. “This allows trained staff to identify potential donors and approach families with care. In the last fiscal year, we had seven tissue donors whose generosity helped improve many lives. This is something we are truly proud of.”
PRH also earned the Routine Notification Rate Award for the sixth time, recognizing a 100% notification rate for the entire 2023/2024 year. With 126 notifications sent to TGLN, PRH was one of only four hospitals in Ontario to achieve this award.
“This award reflects the dedication of our entire team,” said Beth Brownlee, Vice-President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “Our staff work hard to ensure that every opportunity for donation is handled with compassion and respect.”
On April 17, the hospital held a special ceremony recognizing 14 frontline staff members as “Hidden Heroes” for their key roles in the notification process. Many staff wore green that day to show their support for organ and tissue donation.
During the event, a moving testimonial was shared by Dr. Debbie Timpson, a hospital physiatrist, whose husband Rob received a life-changing kidney transplant from his cousin Ian in 2011.
Rob had spent three years on dialysis due to immune-mediated kidney disease. Although dialysis kept him alive, it significantly impacted his quality of life. The transplant gave Rob 11 more years of health, energy, and freedom. “One cannot put a price on these additional years,” wrote Dr. Timpson. “We are forever grateful.”
Ian also spoke about his experience as a living donor, calling it one of the most rewarding decisions of his life. “Donating changed me too—it made me healthier, more present, and thankful. I encourage others to consider it.”
Despite strong public support for organ and tissue donation in Ontario—90% of people are in favour—only 35% are registered. With over 1,400 people waiting for a life-saving organ, PRH encourages everyone to visit www.beadonor.ca, register, and give the gift of life.
(Written by: Emma Butler)