AN experienced nurse has been appointed to find potential organ donors at Colchester General Hospital.

Gail Mander has been employed by NHS Blood and Transplant, to support families who agree their loved ones’ organs can be donated, as part of a Department of Health initiative.

The number of people needing transplants is predicted to rise , due to an ageing population, an increase in kidney failure and scientific advances meaning more people can have them.

Mrs Mander is contacted when a patient meets strict clinical criteria after they die.

She said: “It’s amazing how positive families can be, even when they are going through the most awful circumstances.

“Often, it gives them something positive to focus on, if they know that some good can come out of what is a deeply painful personal tragedy.”

Last year a record 3,706 transplants were carried out in the country, which still left a waiting list of 7,997 needing transplant operations.