What is organ donation and transplantation?

Organ donation is giving an organ to someone else who needs a transplant. This donation will greatly enhance or save the life of the person who receives the transplanted organ. Organ donation is an amazingly generous act and saves thousands of lives in the UK every year.

How can I register to become an organ donor?

From 20th May 2020 all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.

You can register as a donor on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Remember to tell your family your organ donation decision, as their support is needed for donation to go ahead.

Can I donate anything whilst I am alive?

Most donated organs and tissues are from people who have died. However, it is also possible to donate a kidney or part of your liver as a living organ donor. Find out about becoming a living organ donor.

You can also donate bone and amniotic membrane (part of your placenta) as a living tissue donor. Learn more about living bone and amniotic membrane donation.