‘Nothing Short of Remarkable’: Durham Organ Donations Save 23 Lives

Patients at Lakeridge Health helped save the lives of 23 people across Ontario through organ donation during the 2024–25 fiscal year, highlighting the critical role Durham Region hospitals play in life-saving care.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, Lakeridge Health coordinated 30 organ donations, resulting in transplants that saved lives throughout the province.

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“What our critical care teams do every day is nothing short of remarkable,” said Dr. Karim Soliman, chief of critical care at Lakeridge Health. He emphasized the compassion shown by families during times of loss, noting that their generosity makes organ donation possible.

“In moments defined by grief and uncertainty, families choose to save lives,” Soliman said. “Because of their courage, and the clinical excellence of our critical care and surgical teams, Lakeridge Health has become a leader among community hospitals in organ donation.”

For the fifth consecutive year, Lakeridge Health achieved a 100 per cent eligible approach rate, meaning every eligible patient’s family in its critical care units was offered the opportunity to consider organ donation in a compassionate and respectful manner.

This achievement earned the hospital organization two honours from Ontario Health’s 2024–25 Hospital Achievement Awards.

“Organ donation is not a single moment, but a shared journey,” said Eric LeBlanc, interim director of critical care at Lakeridge Health. “Our teams work closely with families and caregivers to ensure every conversation is informed, respectful, and compassionate.”

In addition to organ donations, Lakeridge Health supported 105 tissue donors during the same period and led the province in eye donation, potentially restoring sight to nearly 800 people.