Can my organs be removed after I die?

Organ donation is giving an organ, such as the heart, liver or lungs, to help someone who needs a transplant.

Organ donation saves thousands of lives, and can also improve the quality of life for many others. Many people have their sight restored by donated corneas.

How organ donation works

You can only donate your organs if you die in hospital. Most organ donations come from people who have died while on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit.

However, organs can only be donated from someone if they have decided that they want to be an organ donor in the event of their death.

If you want to be an organ donor, you must also speak to your family beforehand so that they are prepared in case anything happens to you. Even though your family would not be able to overrule your decision, organ donation will be far easier and comforting for them to accept if you have already discussed your wishes.

Joining the Organ Donor Register

You can sign up to the Organ Donor Register when you fill out a driver's licence application form, or when you register with a new doctor.