Organ and Tissue Donation
Organ donation is when one person chooses to give an organ or tissue to save or improve the life of someone else. This is often called giving the ‘gift of life’. Heart, Lungs, Liver, Kidneys, Pancreas and Small Bowel can all be donated in Northern Ireland. Tissues such as corneas and heart valves can also be donated.
Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine and can save and help transform the lives of other people. However, they depend completely on donors and their families supporting organ or tissue donation. Doctors and nurses are committed to doing everything possible to save life and organ donation only takes place after a patient has died.
One Organ donor can help save the lives and improve the quality of life for up to 9 people.
The more people who pledge to donate their organs and tissue after their death, the more people stand to benefit. By choosing to join the NHS Organ Donor Register you could help to make sure life goes on for many others.
The law around organ donation has changed to an opt-out system. The law is known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ and means, in the event that organ donation is a possibility after you die, it will be considered that you agree to being an organ donor unless you choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.
Organ donation is a personal decision and you will still have a choice if you wish to donate or not. Whatever you decide, please remember to talk to loved ones about your decision so they will know what you would have wanted.
Get the facts
Before making your organ donation decision, you may have some questions or want to learn more. Organ Donation NI have answered a list of commonly asked questions that may be of benefit to you.
Consent
We will only use organs and tissue from a donor with their consent or with their family’s consent after they die. You can give your consent by:
• Joining the NHS Organ Donor Register, or
• Telling a relative or close friend about your decision to donate
Everyone can join the NHS Organ Donor Register regardless of age, as long as they are:
• Legally capable of making the decision, and
• Live in the UK.
How do I join the register?
• Or register online at organdonation.nhs.uk
• Or phone 0300 123 23 23
And don’t forget to discuss your decision with your family and friends.
