Donor Tissue Bank unveiled

The new purpose-built Donor Tissue Bank Centre of Victoria was opened at the State Coroner’s Court on Kavanagh St in Southbank last month.

The newly upgraded Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria is the only centre of its kind in Australia for screening, storing and distributing multiple tissue donations from one facility.

Officially unveiled by Attorney-General Martin Pakula on October 27, the facility marks the completion of the State Coronial Services Centre redevelopment project that began in Southbank in 2010.

The upgrade means the facility now has the capacity to incorporate next-generation tissue transplant products including those using human stem cells.

Mr Pakula said the new state-of-the-art facility provided greater storage for tissue donations and the ability to accommodate new technology.

“The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria makes a vital contribution to the lives of Australians,” he said.

“Donations of tissue can mean skin grafts for a burns victim, the restoration of sight in a person with a serious eye condition or a life-saving replacement of a diseased heart valve.”

According to Mr Pakula, more than 11,000 recipients had benefited from tissue donated through the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria since it was founded in 1989 and he encouraged all members of the community to consider registering as a donor.

“The donation of tissue can only occur through the generosity and selfless spirit of those who have lost loved ones, often in sudden and tragic circumstances, and who wish the death of their family member to contribute to other’s welfare,” he said.

“I urge all Victorians to consider registering themselves as an organ donor.”

Anyone wishing to become a tissue donor should discuss their intention with their family and record their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Further information on how to register is available at www.donatelife.gov.au