IT is a difficult conversation but knowing a love one's organ and tissue donation wishes can help during a tragic time, an expert says.
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Families with knowledge about each other's donation decisions are more likely to uphold them.
Organ and Tissue Donation Service NSW co-state medical director Dr Elena Cavazzoni encouraged people to ask themselves if they would want an organ transplant operation if needed.
She said: "If the questions is yes, would you be willing to be a donor?
"That changes slightly the frame.
"If you are willing to receive a donation, then maybe you're willing to donate."
Dr Cavazzoni encouraged people to discuss their wishes with family members.
"Your loved ones being empowered with the information will make their decisions a touch less difficult," she said.
Dr Cavazzoni said people could also ask their GPs for further information or go the website at www.donatelife.gov.au
In 2014, 378 organ donors gave 1,117 transplant recipients a new chance in life.
One organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people. The Australian Organ Donor Register is the only national register for people to record their decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death.
The family of every potential donor will be asked to give their consent to donation.
Meanwhile, Dr Cavazzoni recently worked with Port Macquarie Base Hospital staff during a simulation exercise which displayed professionalism, compassion and respect.
"Port Macquarie Base Hospital embraced the simulation exercise as a hospital-wide approach," Dr Cavazzoni said.