The NHS Organ Donor Register is a confidential, computerised database holding the wishes of over 14 million who want to donate their organs after their death to help others to live.
We can categorically state that no-one who is applying to add, amend or withdraw a registration has direct access to that database.
Around one million people add their names to the ODR each year, of which more than 70,000 register through the internet.
However, we acknowledge that it is technically possible for an individual acting maliciously or mischievously, who has sufficient knowledge of another individual’s personal details, to attempt to add, amend or withdraw a registration without that individual’s consent.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted to the register and a number of checks are built into the registration system for this purpose.
All requests to withdraw entries from the register are acknowledged by letter and we send a letter of confirmation to every new applicant who submits an on-line registration.
The generosity of organ donors and their families enables thousands of lives to be saved or enhanced each year and nine out of ten people in the UK say they support organ donation. The register exists specifically for people to record their wishes but it is important that they also discuss these wishes with their relatives. We would condemn any attempt to deceive by submitting fraudulent details.