Nurse finds satisfaction in helping save lives, Australia
By Laura Tomlinson, Fremantle-Cockburn Gazette

Clinical nurse consultant for organ and tissue donation at
Fremantle Hospital, Sarah Kelley.

AS a junior intensive care nurse in a UK hospital, Palmyra’s Sarah Kelley saw first-hand the effect the loss of a family member could have on relatives.

And when a young female patient of Ms Kelley’s died and her family decided to donate the girl’s organs, the nurse saw the positive effects donation could have.

“I worked closely with the patient and her very supportive family, who found great comfort in knowing other people would get a chance of life again following their loss,” Ms Kelley said.

“This then encouraged me to learn more about the area and work in the field.”

Fifteen years later, the 37-year-old is a clinical nurse consultant for organ and tissue donation at Fremantle Hospital and covers catchment hospitals Armadale, Bentley and the Peel Health Campus.

“I work predominately on the donation side – educating hospital staff about organ and tissue donation and supporting staff throughout the process,” Ms Kelley said.

Ms Kelley said she found her job rewarding because organ donation allowed multiple people’s wishes to be fulfilled at the same time.

She encouraged people to speak with their loved ones about their wishes.

“Talking about it makes a decision at such a tragic time so much easier for a family member to make,” she said.

“To find out more and how to talk to your families, the DonateLife website, www.donatelife.gov.au, is a great resource.”