29Could my donated organs and tissue go to a private patient??
Possibly. Patients entitled to treatment on the NHS are always given priority for donated organs. These include UK citizens, members of Her Majesty’s forces serving abroad and patients covered by a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Other patients would only be offered an organ if there were no suitable patients entitled to treatment under the NHS. Every effort is made to ensure that a donated organ does not go to waste if there is someone who can benefit.
Donated tissue is made available to any hospital in the UK where there is a patient in need.
30Does being a donor cause delays to funeral arrangements?
No. The donation operation is performed as soon as possible after death.
31Could any of my organs or tissue be given to someone in another country?
Yes, possibly. There is an agreement that any organs that cannot be matched to UK patients are offered to patients in other European countries. Likewise, UK patients benefit from organs offered by other European countries. This co-operation increases the chance of a suitable recipient being found, ensuring that precious organs do not go to waste.
Tissue might also be offered to patients in other countries.
Don Short's Story
Pensioner Don Short from East Sussex describes the cornea graft which gave him back his sight as "an absolute miracle" and says he cannot thank the donors enough for their precious gift to him.
Read Don's story