Organ donation

Organ donation

There is a move to make it compulsory to opt out of organ donation, rather than following the current practice of having to opt in by carrying a donor card. The move is because of the shortage of donors and because of the difficulty many health professionals experience in asking for permission when relatives may be in a state of extreme shock, perhaps after a traffic accident, or after turning off a life-support machine.

Organ transplant is an operation that removes an organ or tissue from one person and places it in another. Organ donation is when you allow your organs or tissues to be removed and given to someone else.

Most donated organs and tissues are from people who have died. Others get organs from living donors because of a shortage of organs.

To donate your organs and/or tissue after death:

• Register as a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register

To donate some of your organs as a living donor:

• Contact the transplant centres

To donate some of your tissue as a living donor:

• Contact our National Referral Centre on 0800 432 0559 (Freephone)
• Email: national.referral.centre@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Transplants can be the best treatment for most people with organ failure. We suggest that you discuss your decisions with your family and friends so they know your wishes.

Common transplants

The most common transplants are:

• Kidney transplant
• Heart transplant
• Liver transplant
• Lungs transplant

Other transplants include:

• Pancreas
• Small bowel
• Tissue such as, corneas, heart valves, skin and bone

Contact

• NHS Organ Donor Register
• Tel: 0300 123 23 23
• Email: enquiries@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Address

• NHS Organ Donor Register
  Freepost RRZK-SHUX-SBCK
  NHS Blood and Transplant
  Fox Den Road
  Stoke Gifford
  Bristol BS34 8RR