Canada is one of the only countries in the western world without a national, coordinated system for organ and tissue donation and transplantation (OTDT). The system as it stands today is at capacity, and is struggling to cope with current needs and projected future demand. Last year, there were more than 4,300 Canadians on an organ waiting list; of those, 215 died without getting the transplant that could have saved their lives.

In August 2008, Canadian Blood Services was given a mandate by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Deputy Ministers of Health (excluding Quebec) to develop - in consultation with stakeholders, the public, and the medical community - a recommendation for a new national system for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation (OTDT).

Canadian Blood Services’ experience operating a nationally-integrated delivery system, its existing infrastructure and expertise, and the trust earned with Canadians across the country, were key factors in the assignment of this new mandate.

In September 2008, an initial stakeholder consultation was held to discuss the situation. 130 representatives from transplant, donation, administration, Intensive Care Units, Emergency Room, tissue banks, Organ Procurement Organizations, patients, donor families, living donors, government and ethical/legal organizations were brought together. It was recommended that OTDT could best be served by a nationally coordinated system, but there were differences in opinion on roles, responsibilities and technical details of how the system should operate.

In May 2009, three committees were struck, a Steering Committee made up of 12 prominent experts in public healthcare policy, and two expert committees, one focused on organs and the other on tissues. These committees will meet throughout 2009-2010 and will lead the development of the formal system recommendation.

The participation and input of the public and stakeholders have been vital in this process.

Click here to learn how you can get involved.