Far fewer people in the Channel Islands are registered as organ donors than the UK.
John Eaton, Interim Chair of the Organ Donation Committee, said: “This Organ Donation Week, we’d like to raise awareness of the NHS Organ Donor register and encourage islanders to record their decision.
“While most people do not pass away in ways that allow organ donation to go ahead, choosing to donate some or all of your organs gives hope to everyone on the transplant waiting list that their life can be saved or improved.”
Since 2023, organ donation in Guernsey has operated on an “opt-out” basis, which means there is a legal presumption of consent unless indicated otherwise.
However, Health and Social Care (HSC) is emphasising the importance of registering to the national NHS database.
“Completing the online registration form is easy and makes it clear to health workers what your decisions are,” Mr Eaton explained.
“Once Registered, speaking to friends and family about these decisions is just as important, so they can reflect these wishes to healthcare workers when the time comes as families are always consulted before organ donation can happen.
“Opting-in to organ donation has the potential to save or improve the lives of up to nine people.”
You can register your desire to opt-in, or opt-out, of organ donation through the NHS Organ Donation website.
