Organ and tissue donation

It might be possible to donate your organs or tissues after your death to help others. This is always discussed with your family at the appropriate time. They are involved in making the decision.

You can decide for yourself in advance if you want to donate your organs or tissues.

If you do not want to donate your organs or tissue, you can register a decision not to donate. 

Registering as an organ donor

You can register your decision on the organ donor register. This is a secure database that records your decision about organ and tissue donation. You can phone the organ donor line on 0300 123 23 23 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit: organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate

It might not always be possible to donate organs for life-saving surgery, even if you would like to. This depends on the circumstances. However, it might still be possible to donate tissue.

Tissue donation can help to improve someone's quality of life. For example, this might include donating:

• skin for people with serious burns
• corneas (the transparent outer covering of the eye) to help save other people's eyesight
• bones and tendons (strong tissue connecting muscles to bones) to help others with movement (mobility) problems or damaged joints

You can read more about organ and tissue donation at: organdonation.nhs.uk This website also has information about the different laws within the UK.

Donating to medical research

Donating your body for medical research is a separate procedure. You need to complete a consent form giving your permission for this before you die. If you would like to donate your body to medical research after your death, please visit the Human Tissue Authority website. 

Make sure that you keep a copy of the paperwork and tell your family members and healthcare team about your wishes.

More information about organ and tissue donation

The Human Tissue Authority has information about body, organ and tissue donation.

NHS Blood and Transplant has information about tissue donation.

NHS organ donation website explains what organ and tissue donation involves, who you could help and what choices you can make. You can register your decision about if you want to donate your organs and tissue after your death or opt out.

You can also call the organ donor line on 0300 123 23 23 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).