Thinking about organ donation
Across the UK every year, the generosity of those who are willing to donate touches the lives of thousands of people – and gives hope to those still waiting for a transplant.
Which organs can be donated?
There are many parts of the body that can be donated, to help others live their life to the full, including heart valves, skin, arteries, tendons, bone and corneas.
Most people are able to donate their corneas after death; age, poor eyesight or medical conditions are not necessarily a barrier to donation.
The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of your eye. It acts as a ‘window’ to the eye, and is vital in allowing us to be able to see.
Each eye donated can potentially help up to 5 people.
Your beliefs
You may have questions about whether your faith or beliefs affect your ability to become an organ donor. However, the major religions and belief systems in the UK are open to the principles of organ donation.
Please visit the NHS Organ Donation website to read more about becoming a donor from the perspective of Bahá’í, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.
Click here to visit the NHS website to find information on organ donation and faith
What is the NHS Organ Donor Register?
The NHS Organ Donor Register is a secure database that records people’s decision around whether or not they want to be an organ and tissue donor when they die. You can choose what organs and tissue you want to donate.
How can I join?
If you’d like more information on organ and tissue donation, or wish to record your wishes via the NHS Organ Donor Register, please talk to a member of staff at St Clare Hospice. We are happy to discuss options with you, and talk through any worries or questions you may have.
Please note that organ donation in the UK now operates via an opt-out system, to allow more people to save more lives. This means that all adults aged 18+ are now considered as potential donors, unless they have opted out or are in an excluded group.
For more information, please visit the NHS Organ Donation website at organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
Get in touch
If you’d like to speak with a member of the St Clare team about making your Will please be aware we cannot make any recommendations but can offer support and signposting.
Call us on 01279 773700
Email us at [email protected]