FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — A Fort Wayne hospital whose rate of organ donations fell far short of the state average says it will change how it approaches families of patients who are candidates for donations.
The Journal Gazette reports only 1 of 11 families approached by Parkview Hospital about organ donation after a patient was declared brain dead consented to the procedure between Jan. 1 and July 31.
An average of 71 percent of families consented statewide during the same period.
Parkview spokeswoman Danette Fitzgerald says the hospital will immediately begin having staff from the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization join the sensitive conversations with families in hopes of improving consent rates.
The IOPO says nearly 1,400 people in Indiana are waiting for transplants.
