Organ/Corneal and Tissue Donation
Planning ahead is about making choices that reflect your values. One of those choices might be whether you wish to become an organ, tissue, or corneal donor.
To donate organs after death, a person must die in hospital under specific circumstances. In each case, specialist healthcare professionals assess whether a person’s organs and tissues are suitable for donation.
What many people don’t know is that if you die at home or in a hospice, you may still be able to donate your corneas — potentially giving two people the gift of sight. Tissue donation is also an option, helping to repair and rebuild the lives and bodies of people who have been severely injured.
To make this possible, it’s important to share your wishes — whether you plan to donate or not — with both your healthcare provider and those closest to you. Being open about your decision helps ensure it is respected and understood by the people who matter most.
The NHS Organ Donation website explains what’s involved in tissue and corneal donation, who can benefit, and how to record your decision.
On the site, you can:
- Register your decision about donation
- Amend or withdraw your consent
- Learn how donors change lives
- Find ways to start conversations with your loved ones
Even under the current opt-out system, which is in place across all four UK countries, your family will always be consulted. That’s why it’s so important to share your wishes with them.
If you are under Rowcroft’s care and would like to speak to a member of our team, we would be happy to discuss this with you further.
Useful resources
- The law around organ donation by the NHS