Organ and tissue donation

The opt-out system

UK countries operate under an opt-out system.

Under the opt-out system someone is considered to have agreed to be a donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate with the NHS Organ Donor Register (or are in an excluded group).

• In England and Wales the opt-out system applies
• In Scotland the opt-out system applies to those over the age of 16
• Northern Ireland has an opt-out system.
  

Consulting relatives

Families are always consulted before donation goes ahead, even within an opt-out system.

If medical staff confirm that donation could be possible, a specialist nurse will talk to the family to tell them what will happen next. The faiths, beliefs and culture of the person who died will always be respected.

Organs or tissue are removed with care and do not delay burial or cremation arrangements or affect your ability to see a loved one's body.

Donating children’s organs and tissue

The opt-out system does not apply to children under the age of 18 (or under 16 in Scotland). If a decision about organ or tissue donation is required for someone under 18, the family will be asked to make that decision.

Finding out if donation is possible

If you want to find out if donation is possible, but haven’t been contacted by medical staff, you need to act quickly (usually within 24 hours, although sometimes up to 48 hours, after the death).

• For organ donation call 0300 123 23 23
• For tissue donation call 0800 432 0559