Organ donation as a living legacy
Legacies can be left online, offline and in a number of different ways. The selfless act of being an organ donor and passing on one or more organs is one of the most powerful legacies that someone can leave. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. The same donor can also improve the lives of up to 50 people when opting to donate their tissues and eyes.
If you would like to become an organ donor you should register to become one. Once registered it is paramount that you tell a friend or family member your wishes. This will help ensure that your wishes are adhered to should something happen to you unexpectedly.
The importance of telling someone your wishes
In the UK three people die every day due to a shortage of available organs. Many lives will be saved if more friends and families agree for their loved one’s organs to be donated. It is very important that you tell your friends and family your organ donation wishes.
Who can become an Organ Donor?
It is a common misconception that a range of individuals are ineligible to be an organ donor. These reasons sometimes include age, smoking, drinking or have certain, pre-existing medical conditions. In some circumstances organs cannot be donated however misinformation around this area costs lives and prevents people who would otherwise be able to donate their organs from doing so. To learn about restrictions currently in place click on the country where you live:
Organ Donation fact buster
- There is no age limit for becoming an organ donor.
- Having a tattoo does not prevent you from becoming an organ donor.
- Drinking alcohol does not prevent you from becoming an organ donor.*
- There is no age limit for becoming an organ donor.
- It is still possible to become an organ donor if you smoke.
- Having a tattoo does not prevent you from becoming an organ donor.
- Drinking alcohol does not prevent you from becoming an organ donor.
If you are still unsure of your eligibility and would like to donate, please contact your GP. Your GP will be able to guide you through your options based upon your current circumstances.
Organ Donation conversations
In England, just 45% of families agree to organ donation going ahead if they are unaware of their loved one’s decision to be a donor. This figure rises to 95% when they are aware of their decision.
It is important to have an open and honest conversation about your organ donation preferences with those who are close to you. By doing so, your wishes are more likely to be adhered to.
Register to be an Organ Donor
Becoming an organ donor is an altruistic and selfless act. It can benefit individual recipients, those closest to you, and society at large. If you decide that you would like to become an organ donor you should confirm this within the country where you live.
“Tell those closest to you that you want to donate your organs after you die to help some of the 10,000 people in the UK currently in need of a life changing organ transplant.” – Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant’s Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation
How to document your organ donation wishes within your Advance Care Plan
Document your organ donation wishes within your Advance Care Plan
Once you have registered as an organ donor you should include this information within your Advance Care Plan. It is quick, easy and free to do this on MyWishes. Simply register or sign in to your MyWishes account and navigate to the ‘My Advance Care Plan’ section. Here you will be able to document your organ donation, future health and social care wishes.
Once completed, email the document to loved ones, your GP and anyone who might be involved with your care now or at some point in the future. If you have a printer, you should also print the document and keep it in a safe and accessible place.
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Michael Sobell Hospice Palliative Care Department Mount Vernon Hospital, Gate 3 Northwood HA6 2RN United Kingdom (Map)
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