Saving lives through organ and tissue donation
At a Glance
Two minutes now could save up to nine livesOrgan and tissue donation is when you decide to give an organ or tissue to save or transform the life of someone else. You can donate some organs and tissue while you are alive, and this is called living organ and tissue donation. However, most organ and tissue donations come from people who have died.
How is consent for organ and tissue donation established?
Organ and tissue donation can only go ahead with your consent and/or the support of your family.
If you die in circumstances in which organ and tissue donation is possible, NHS specialist nurses will try to establish:
- Your decision: The NHS Organ Donation Register is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A specialist nurse will check the Register to see if you have recorded a decision. They will then talk to your family.
- The support of your family: Organ and tissue donation will always be discussed with your family if donation is possible. A specialist nurse will work with your family to explore your last known decision and help your family to support this.
Find out more about organ and tissue donation
You can find out more information at the organ donation website
We also have a team of specialist staff who will look after all aspects of organ and tissue donation with sensitivity and respect, and will guide you through any decisions that need to be made.
Contact ghn-tr.organdonation@nhs.net for more information.
You can register your decision to be an organ and tissue donor on the Organ Donation Register.
