Organ Donation Week 26 September – 2 October

It can be hard to talk about what happens to our bodies after we pass away, but starting that conversation now can save lives in the future. As one person can donate their heart, lungs, kidneys, small bowel, liver and pancreas, many lives can be saved. Other tissues that can be donated, like skin, bone, and tendons, can improve the health and lives of dozens of people – from just one donor.

If we about organ donation long before it becomes an issue, it can help reduce stress for your next of kin at that difficult time. When someone dies who could be eligible to donate their organs or tissues, specialist nurses speak to the bereaved family to discuss their wishes. This is obviously an incredibly difficult time, and to feel that they have to make that kind of decision themselves can be overwhelming. If there’s already been a discussion about organ donation, feeling the burden of that decision isn’t left to loved ones.

But I have chronic conditions – my organs won’t be any use to anyone!

Even having health conditions doesn’t necessarily mean that you have nothing to give. We often just focus on organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys when we’re thinking about organ donation. But did you know that other body tissues can also be used to save or improve lives? Skin grafts, for example, can help heal serious burns, and tendon donations can help save damaged joints.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be considered to be a donor. A person cannot become an organ donor if they have active cancer, or certain infectious diseases like HIV.
However, in some cases, a person with HIV may be able to donate to other people with the same condition.

What’s the law?

There have been changes in the law across the nations of the UK in recent years. In England, changes came into effect in May 2020. Since then, anyone who dies and is eligible to be considered for donation is assumed to be willing unless they have registered a decision not to donate, or in certain special circumstances.

People who are not assumed to want to be donors – but who still can with their families’ support – are:

• Those under the age of 18
• People who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action
• Visitors to England, and those not living here voluntarily
• People who have lived in England for less than 12 months before their death

The more people are willing to donate their organs after they pass away, the more lives we can save in future.

https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/get-involved/organ-donation-campaigns/