Turning loss into legacy: Ontario hospital group honoured for organ and tissue donations

Lakeridge Health received two provincial honours from Ontario Health's Trillium Gift of Life Network for its Critical Care-led organ donation practices, including a 100% eligible approach rate and an Award of Excellence; in 2024/2025 the organization supported 10 organ donors (resulting in 30 organs transplanted) and 105 tissue donors.

Lakeridge Health has been recognised with two provincial awards tied to its Critical Care-led organ and tissue donation work. The honours come from Ontario Health's Trillium Gift of Life Network as part of the 2024/2025 Hospital Achievement Awards. One award recognises a 100 per cent eligible approach rate and the other continues an Award of Excellence for meeting or exceeding provincial targets for multiple years. The recognition reflects the hospital group's effort to ensure eligible families are offered the opportunity to donate. Notable details: - The awards include a Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award for achieving a 100 per cent approach rate and a consecutive Award of Excellence for meeting provincial targets for four or more years. - In 2024/2025 Lakeridge Health supported 10 organ donors, five from Ajax-Pickering Hospital's Critical Care Unit and five from Oshawa's Critical Care Unit; 30 organs were transplanted, reported as saving 23 lives across Ontario. - The organization supported 105 tissue donors during the same period and remains a provincial leader in eye donation, with nearly 800 people potentially regaining sight this year announced as possible. - Hospital leaders attributed the results to the work of Critical Care and Surgical teams and to conversations with families, described as respectful and compassionate partnerships of care. Summary: The awards acknowledge Lakeridge Health's sustained organ and tissue donation activity and its Critical Care teams' role in approaching eligible families. The reported outcomes include organ and tissue donations that led to multiple transplants and potential sight restoration for many people. Undetermined at this time.