The Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) Donation Specialist Nurses from DonateLife Queensland met with the Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol unit on 23 May, to thank officers for their help in getting organ donations to hospitals for life-saving surgeries.
Letters of appreciation were presented to several officers who assisted with time critical transfers in 2024.
Due to the time critical nature of organ donation, police can be called on to escort or transport specialist medical teams and organs for transplant as quickly and safety as possible to an airport or major hospital transplant unit.
Highway Patrol units across South East Queensland are involved in approximately 30 time critical organ transfers each year.
SCUH Donation Specialist Nurse Shona McDonald from DonateLife Queensland, the government agency which coordinates organ and tissue donation in Queensland, said she is thankful to police for their assistance in urgent situations.
“Police commitment to this task, as well as drivers who cooperate out on the roads, help us with the timely and safe transport of organs from our generous donors to the transplant recipients who are waiting for a whole new life,” Ms McDonald said.
“The success of organ transplantation relies on time critical transfers within strict time limits.
“Fast and safe transport within critical time limits help to ensure these precious ‘gifts of life’ safely reach their destination and provide the best possible outcomes for the waitlisted patient and their family.”
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Panoho said it’s a positive and rewarding part of the job.
“It’s an honour to be involved in this life-saving process,” Senior Sergeant Panoho said.
“I thank the community for cooperating with us when we need to activate lights and sirens to transport the organs quickly and safety.
“This is a great example of why it is so important to give way to emergency services vehicles – we could be carrying life-saving cargo.”
