Organ and tissue donation Organ donation Donation of organs from the body can only be considered before death occurs and is only possible when a patient is in certain hospital areas such as the Intensive Care Unit or the Emergency Department. For more information on Organ and Tissue donation: www.organdonation.nhs.uk 0800 432 0559
Tissue donation When a relative/friend dies at home or in hospital it may be possible for them to donate tissues for transplant or research. Donated tissues such as skin, bone, tendons and heart valves can dramatically improve people’s lives and eye donation can restore sight. Most people can be considered for tissue donation after death. There are some age limitations for some tissues and some medical exclusion criteria. Donation can take place within 24 hours after someone dies and donation is subject to Coroner’s consent in relevant cases. If the patient had expressed a wish to donate or they or their family would like to discuss this further, please provide the leaflet available on the ward or call NHS Blood and Transplant Tissue Donation on 0800 432 0559 to speak to a specialist nurse. www.nhsbt.nhs.uk
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