GUERNSEY has a much smaller proportion of potential organ donors than the UK. Only 4% of the population – compared with some 19% in the UK – are registered as donors.

South Thames procurement services manager Helen Mandefield said that this was probably due to a lack of publicity.

The last time there was an awareness campaign in Guernsey was in 2002. Following the Donors for Life Campaign in the Guernsey Press, 700 people registered.

There is also a lack of information as to how to register.

‘There’s some confusion over the issue. Islanders can record their wishes on their driving licence but they should clarify the situation by putting their names on the NHS Organ Donor Register and by talking to their families,’ said Ms Mandefield.

In Guernsey, the information given on a driving licence is not automatically transferred to the register as it is in the UK. Thirty-four per cent of donors in the UK are registered through the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Centre.

Ms Mandefield and John Richardson, donor transplant coordinator, took part in an information evening yesterday to enlighten patients and medical professionals about their work.

They said that their team had been working with the island only since April and was still on a learning curve, but it was working hard to persuade Guernsey people of the value of the service.

‘Guernsey recipients have the same opportunities as UK residents as it is a national scheme and, of course, Guernsey organs can go to the UK,’ said Mr Richardson.

He stressed that the aim of the service was to find the best possible match of donor to recipient.

‘This is especially so for kidneys. Dialysis is really expensive and not all those with kidney failure manage on it – some struggle.’

Locally, a team consists of clinical risk manager Jean Ellyatt and two link nurses – Julie Falla and Suzanne Fallaize. The two nurses are well-placed to help potential donors and their recipients, as they work in intensive care.

‘We liaise with South Thames as soon as we have a donor, talk to the family and make sure that the donor’s wishes are respected,’ said Miss Falla.

‘It’s important that we talk to the families as it can be a traumatic time for them.’

The work of the two teams does not stop after organs have been donated. The family is consulted on the donor’s wishes and kept informed of which organs have been used. Relatives are told the age and sex of the recipient but not their name.

Support is ongoing and a thanksgiving service is held annually in Southwark Cathedral. This year’s is on Saturday 25 September.

‘Last time we held the service, 850 people attended and we were competing with England playing in the World Cup. There wasn’t a man left in sight by the end,’ said Ms Ellyatt.

Families found great comfort, she said, in the fact that their loved one’s death has helped others.

She hoped that the visit would lead to a greater understanding of the service and of why it was needed.

* Potential donors can register by logging on to www.uktransplant.org.uk or by phoning 0845 60 60 400.