Tissue donation

Tissue donation is the act of donating your tissues after death. Many tissues can be donated, including heart valves, corneas (the clear surface of the eye), skin and bone. These tissues can be used for life-changing surgery; for example, a corneal transplant can restore a person’s sight. It can realise the wishes a person may have expressed in life. It creates something positive from death.

The wish to donate tissue can be expressed before death, but the process of tissue donation is initiated after death. Many people are eligible for tissue donation after death. Consent to donate tissues after death is sought from the person’s next of kin. We encourage our patients to tell their families and friends if they want to be considered for tissue donation.

Tissue donation from our hospice is possible. Please speak to the clinical teams involved in your care if you would like to be considered for tissue donation. Family or next of kin may also do this, including after someone has died. Donation (collection of tissues) needs to be within 24 to 48 hours of the person’s death. The national referral centre (NRC), part of NHS Blood and Transplant, will arrange consent and the collection, if tissue donation is possible. With a few illnesses, donation is not possible. The clinical team and/or the NRC will inform the patient or family if this is the case.