Donating organs, corneas or tissue after death can make a real difference to people who require transplants or treatment for an illness. Most people with a terminal illness are not able to donate their organs (for example, heart or lungs) after death. However, they are usually able to give their corneas and often other tissues to help others.
Corneal donation is giving the clear outer surface covering the front of the eye. After removal the face will look unchanged, though there may be slight bruising round the eyes.
Donated corneas can help people with damaged corneas to see again or have their sight improved.
Most people including those with cancer can donate their corneas. There are some exceptions, such as those with blood cancers, blood borne infections or eye disease
Tissue donation is the giving of tissues like skin, heart valves, bone and tendons to those who will benefit Tissues are taken from the deceased donor and transplanted to patients who need them.
Your donated tissue can improve the lives of many people suffering from illness or injury These tissues can be used to replace damaged tissues, often greatly increasing the quality of the recipients’ lives.
For example, heart valves can be transplanted to save the lives of patients suffering from diseased or damaged valves.
People with cancer may only be able to donate certain tissues, but these are still very important donations which could make a difference to someone else’s life. Please ask clinical staff for further information.
Corneal donation can take place in the hospice Otherwise donations happen at the funeral directors. They are carried out with the same care as any medical procedure
What do I need to do if I want to donate my cornea or some of my tissues?
If you wish to donate please tell the hospice staff or your GP that you would like this to happen. We will ensure your wishes are written on your clinical record.
We also encourage you to talk through your decision with your family and other people close to you, so they are able to support your wishes.
You can of course change your mind at any time
Your donation will make a huge difference in the life of someone who is ill and requiring corneal or tissue donation.
The National Referral Centre, which coordinates corneal and tissue donation throughout the country, are able to tell your family that your donation has been used and how it has helped a patient
You can find the contact information for the National Referral Centre on the reverse of this leaflet
We are aware that corneal and tissue donation can be a difficult issue and you are likely to have many questions you need answered to help you come to a decision.
Please do speak to any of the Clinical Team here at the hospice, or your GP, who will be happy to help you
Alternatively you can contact: National Referral Centre for Tissue Donation www.tissuedonation@nhsbt.nhs.uk Tel: 0800 432 0559
Royal Trinity Hospice
www.royaltrinityhospice.london/privacy