Sunnybrook Awarded for Championing Organ and Tissue Donation

Toronto, ON; Oct. 2, 2023 – Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was recognized by Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) for its outstanding efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care in 2022/23.

Sunnybrook was presented with the Hospital Achievement Award for Provincial Eligible Approach Rate.

“We are honored to receive this award and we appreciate that the success of organ and tissue donation relies on the hard work and dedication of the many staff and physicians at Sunnybrook,” shared Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook.

“We also extend our thanks to the individuals that have given the gift of themselves to help others. This courageous act is a true gift. We honour these individuals, and their loved ones, through today’s announcement.”

Sunnybrook is one of 44 hospitals across the province to be awarded a 2022/23 Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) Hospital Achievement Award.

“Sunnybrook has made an outstanding contribution to organ and tissue donation in Ontario and we are proud to partner with their exemplary team of healthcare professionals throughout the year to continue this vital work,” said Rebecca Cooper, Vice President, Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario Health. “By ensuring that the wishes of donors are realized, we honour their selflessness and the legacy they intend to leave behind. Every Ontarian has the potential to save or significantly enhance a life one day by registering at BeADonor.ca and speaking to their family about their donation decision.”

Today, there are nearly 1,400 Ontarians in need of a life-saving organ transplant and thousands more who are in need of life-restoring tissue transplants. Tragically, every three days someone will die waiting for an organ, while those awaiting valuable tissue will continue to experience a lower quality of life.

The success of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario hinges on the unwavering efforts of hospitals and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that Ontarians have the opportunity to help others through the gift of life. The Hospital Achievement Awards recognize this crucial work and the profound impact it can have on those waiting for an organ or tissue donation.

DID YOU KNOW? One donor can save and enhance up to 80 lives through organ and tissue donation. Register to donate and speak with your family about your wishes. Visit www.beadonor.ca to find out more.

Media Contacts:

Laura Bristow, Communications Advisor, Sunnybrook, laura.bristow@sunnybrook.ca

For more information on organ and tissue donation in Ontario, or to learn more about the Ontario Health (TGLN) Hospital Achievement Awards, please contact mediainquiries@ontariohealth.ca