Guernsey Press

Dialysis patient calls for support for opt-out on organ donation

A KIDNEY dialysis patient who hopes to have a transplant has urged islanders to support the introduction of an opt-out scheme.

Published
Dialysis patient John Guille and States medical director Dr Peter Rabey have urged people to take part in the consultation of moving to an opt-out system for organ donation. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 20627100)

John Guille said he could not think of any reason why anyone would abstain from an automatic donor status.

‘It sounds very good to me, so many good organs get left by the wayside. I’m hoping that in the near future I could be fit enough to have a transplant now that my heart is strong enough.

‘It’s for everyone’s benefit, the amount of people that are helped, it’s got to be a good thing,’ he said.

While the maximum number of possible organ transplants from deceased Guernsey patients was achieved last year – six – the new scheme would be aimed at increasing those figures.

The opt-out system, adopted in countries such as Wales and Spain, sees residents automatically deemed as registered for organ donation with the ability to opt-out if they prefer.

Only 1% of people die in a way that is compatible with organ donation.

States medical director Dr Peter Rabey said the island was very community-minded and thought the consultation would prompt a positive response.

‘About 12% of people in Guernsey are currently registered as donors. Guernsey has expressed a similar interest to that of Jersey in going ahead with the consultation period,’ he said.

‘People are incredibly public spirited in Guernsey. We nearly always get the family in agreement when we are in that situation for the possibility of donation arises.’

Dr Rabey advised that at the very least everyone should have a discussion with friends and family about their wishes regarding organ donation.

‘Also think about clicking online and filling out the consultation questionnaire, which only takes a few minutes,’ he added.