Woman urges families to discuss organ donor plans

Louise Double required a liver transplant after suffering complications during childbirth in 2018

A mother who nearly died after suffering a rare pregnancy complication has urged families to talk about organ donations which could help save lives.

Louise Double needed a liver transplant in 2018 after developing haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and Low platelet (HELLP) - a liver and blood clotting disorder - during childbirth.

The 38-year-old from St Lawrence had to be taken to hospital in London by an RAF helicopter for the transplant after her liver had effectively "been destroyed".

To mark Organ Donation Week, which started on Monday and runs until Sunday, Ms Double said it was important for people to make their relatives aware of their preference to avoid any doubt.

In July 2019, the "opt out" organ donor law came into effect in Jersey.

This law meant all adults were considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they died unless they had opted out on the register.

But Jersey's government said family members would always be consulted before organ donations.

Ms Double said it could cause problems if families were unaware of their relative's preference and ended up over-riding organ donations.

"It can bring in doubt and end up not going ahead," she said.

"It's more a case of just getting people to quickly discuss with their family members what they want so it doesn't have to be a big question if the worst case scenario happens.

"The outcome for a lot of people is obviously life-changing and life-saving and families can grow and move on with that gift."