What is organ donation?

Only a very small number of people die in circumstances where they are able to donate their organs. Because organs have to be transplanted very soon after someone has died they can only be donated by someone who has died in hospital. Usually organs come from people who are certified dead whilst on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit, generally as a result of a major accident, a brain haemorrhage or a stroke.

While only a very few people die in circumstances which would enable their organs to be donated, virtually everyone can donate their eyes to help others see or give bone, skin or other tissue after their death.

One donor can give life to several people and restore the sight of two more. Putting your name on the www.uktransplant.org.uk/register demonstrates your consent to the use of your organs for transplantation.