Although similar, organ donation and body donation serve two different purposes – one helps others directly through transplants, and the other indirectly through teaching and research. Becoming an organ donor is very straight forward, whereas donating your body to medical science involves a certain amount of pre-planning. If you have no desire to be buried or cremated, and quite fancy a cheap exit to this world with no fuss, then donating your body may be the option for you. Check out the links below for more information.
What is Organ Donation?
Every year in the UK, over 3000 lives are saved or significantly improved by donated organs and tissue from donors. These donors have consented to organ donation for example by joining the Organ Donor Register, or by discussing their wishes to donate with relatives and close friends who can then give permission when the time comes.
Organs that can be donated by people who have died include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissue such as skin, bone, heart valves and corneas can also be used to help others. Time is of the essence when it is the wish of the deceased or the nearest relative to donate the organs for transplant. The doctor attending will advise on procedure, and after organ donation, the body is released to the relatives for the funeral as normal.
Register to become an organ donor
There are a lot of issues and fears surrounding organ donation. To follow are the answers to some common questions.
Organ Donation Q & A’s
Will the doctors fight to save me?
Absolutely. The doctors looking after a patient have to make every possible effort to save the patient’s life. That’s their first duty. If, despite their efforts, the patient dies, organ and tissue donation can be considered. A completely different team of donation and transplant specialists will then be called in.
How will they know I’m dead?
Organs are only removed for transplantation after a person has died. Doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team will confirm death. Death is confirmed in exactly the same way for people who donate organs as for those who don’t.
Most organ donors are patients who die because of a brain haemorrhage, severe head injury or stroke and who are on a ventilator in a hospital intensive care unit. In these circumstances, death is diagnosed by brain stem tests. There are very clear and strict standards and procedures for these tests, which are always performed by two experienced doctors.
The ventilator provides oxygen that keeps the heart beating and blood circulating after death. These donors are called heart-beating donors. Organs such as hearts, which deteriorate very quickly without an oxygen supply, are usually only donated by a heart-beating donor.
Patients who die in hospital but aren’t on a ventilator can, in some circumstances, donate their kidneys and other organs. They’re called non-heart-beating donors. Both heart-beating and non-heart-beating donors can donate their corneas and other tissue.
Will I be left disfigured?
Organs and tissue are always removed with the greatest of care and respect for the person. This takes place in a normal operating theatre under the usual conditions. Afterwards the surgical incision is carefully closed and covered by a dressing in the normal way. Tissue can be removed in an operating theatre, mortuary or funeral home. Specialist healthcare professionals carry out the operation. They ensure that the donor is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Only those organs and tissue specified by the donor or their family will be removed.
Is it possible to see the body after donation?
Yes. Families are given the opportunity to spend time with their loved one after the operation if they wish. The transplant coordinator will arrange this. Arrangements for viewing the body after donation are the same as after any death.
Does a donor’s family have to pay the cost of donation?
No. There’s no question of any payment at all. The NHS meets the costs related to the donation of organs and tissue.
Does joining the NHS Organ Donor Register mean I am agreeing to donate my face or limbs for transplant?
No. We would require specific agreement for these forms of donation, either from you, during your lifetime, or from your next of kin after death. Let those close to you know your wishes.
Can I agree to donate to some people and not to others?
No. Organs and tissue cannot be accepted unless they’re freely donated. No conditions can be attached in terms of potential recipients. The only restriction allowed is which organs or tissue are to be donated.
Could my donated organs and tissue go to a private patient?
Possibly. However, 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 people will only be offered an organ if there are 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’s a patient in need.
Could any of my organs or tissue be given to someone in another country?
Yes, possibly. There’s an agreement that any organs that cannot be matched to UK patients are offered to people in other European countries. Likewise, UK patients benefit from organs offered by other European countries. This cooperation 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.
Are there religious objections to organ and tissue donation?
No. None of the major religions in the UK objects to organ and tissue donation and transplantation. If you have any doubts, discuss them with your spiritual or religious adviser. In addition, the Organ Donation Directorate of NHS Blood and Transplant has produced a series of leaflets that focus on the six major religions in the UK.
Does the colour of my skin make a difference?
No. However, organs are matched by blood group and tissue type (for kidney transplants) and the best-matched transplants have the best outcome. Patients from the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match. A few people with rare tissue types may only be able to receive a well-matched organ from someone of the same ethnic origin, so it’s important that people from all ethnic backgrounds donate organs.
Successful transplants are carried out between people from different ethnic groups wherever the matching criteria are met.
Is there any point in making a special appeal if someone desperately needs an organ?
Yes and no. Any special appeal usually results in more people agreeing to become donors and can increase the number of organs available. However, family appeals through the newspapers and television will not result in an organ immediately becoming available for the person on whose behalf the appeal was made. The patient will still be on the transplant list, just like everyone else, and the rules that govern the matching and allocation of donor organs to recipients still apply.
Can I agree to donate some organs or tissue and not others?
Yes. You can specify which organs you would wish to donate. Simply tick the appropriate boxes on the NHS Organ Donor Register form or on the donor card, and let those close to you know what you’ve decided.
Will organs or tissue that are removed for transplant be used for research purposes?
Organs and tissue that cannot be used for transplant will only be used for medical or scientific research purposes if specific permission has been obtained from your family.
How is organ donation different from organ retention?
The problems of organ retention arose because proper consent was not obtained from parents or relatives for organs and tissue removed at post-mortem to be kept for research or other purposes. The law was changed because of these problems and the Human Tissue Act 2004 and the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 were introduced. Organs and tissue are only removed for transplantation if permission has been given.
Would a donor’s family ever know who the recipient was?
Confidentiality is always maintained, except in the case of living donors who already know each other. If the family wish, they’ll be given some brief details, such as the age and sex of the person or persons who have benefited from the donation. Patients who receive organs can obtain similar details about their donors. It’s not always possible to provide recipient information to donor families for some types of tissue transplant.
Those involved may want to exchange anonymous letters of thanks or good wishes through the transplant coordinators. In some instances donor families and recipients have arranged to meet.
Can people buy or sell organs?
No, the transplant laws in the UK absolutely prohibit the sale of human organs or tissue.
Can a deceased person donate sperm or eggs for future use?
While it is possible to retrieve sperm or eggs it is illegal to store either or to create an embryo without the prior written consent of the donor.
Can someone with HIV or hepatitis C donate?
Yes. In very rare cases, the organs of donors with HIV or hep C have been used to help others with the same conditions. This procedure would only ever be carried out where both parties have the condition. All donors undergo rigorous checks to guard against infection.
Register to become an organ donor
Body Donation
Donated bodies are used to teach students about the structure of the body and how it works, through anatomical examination. The whole body and body parts can also be used to train surgeons, other healthcare professionals and for medical research. Organisations which carry out these activities are licensed by the HTA (Human Tissue Authority). People need to decide in advance to donate their body to medical science after their death, and their donations are highly valued by medical staff, students and researches.
Consideration is given to the pace and cause of death, the condition of the body at the time of death and demand in the medical schools. The body may then be accepted. Bodies may be refused if there has been a post-mortem or if any major organs except the cornea have been removed.
If accepted and after the body has fulfilled its full potential, the medical schools will arrange and pay for a simple funeral, or the relatives can do this for themselves. The medical school can advise relatives when the body is available for funeral.
Contact the Human Tissue Authority about whole body donation (in England and Wales):
Human Tissue Authority
151 Buckingham Palace Road
Victoria
London
SW1W 9SZ
Tel: 020 7269 1900
www.hta.gov.uk
Body Donation Q & A’s
Frequently asked questions about body donation.
What is the role of the HTA in body donation?
Anatomy is the study of the structure and functions of the body. The HTA licenses and inspects establishments, such as medical schools, which teach anatomy using donated bodies.
The HTA provides general information on body donation but does not provide detailed information on behalf of each establishment, such as body donation acceptance criteria or opening times. This kind of information can only be obtained directly from the establishment.
If you require further assistance, you can contact one of the HTA Regulation Assistants: 020 7211 3437 / 020 7211 3442.
If I choose to donate my body, what can it be used for?
With your consent, your donated body can be used for a number of possible uses:
1.”Anatomical examination” – this term describes the teaching of the structure and function of the human body to students or healthcare professionals
2.”Research” – this term describes scientific studies which improve the understanding of the human body
3.”Education and training” – these terms describe the training of healthcare professionals, usually those learning surgical techniques, as opposed to anatomical examination.
What do I need to do in order to donate my body?
Under the Human Tissue Act, written consent must be given prior to death; consent cannot be given by anyone else after your death. A consent form can be obtained from your local medical school and a copy should be kept in your will. You should also inform your family, close friends and GP that you wish to donate your body.
Contact details for medical schools are available on the HTA website
I signed a body donation consent form 10 years ago and just heard that a new law, affecting body donation, came into force in 2006. Will the consent form I originally signed be accepted when I die or must I complete a new form?
Although the new law affecting body donation (the Human Tissue Act 2004) came into force on 1 September 2006, it allows documented and valid consent for body donation made under the old law to be honoured. The ease with which your body donation offer is accepted might be improved if you include an updated intention to donate your body in your Will. More details can be obtained directly from the anatomy establishment to which you wish to donate your body.
I have recently moved to a different part of the country. Will I need to fill in a new body donation consent form?
Not necessarily. A form completed for one anatomy establishment might also be acceptable to another. More details can be obtained directly from the anatomy establishment to which you wish to donate your body.
If you have moved to a new area of the country, but still want to donate your body to the anatomy establishment linked to your old post code, please contact the establishment for more details. Some medical schools may request that your estate contributes to the cost of transporting your body if the donation falls outside of the medical school’s local area.
Can I donate my body if I am also on the organ transplant donor register?
People who choose to donate their body or organs do so in the hope that they will be useful to others after their death. Despite being separate donation systems, it is possible for a person to be registered as an organ donor and to have registered their wish to donate their body, after death, to a medical school.
Medical schools will usually decline a body donation if the person has undergone surgery to remove organs for transplantation. However, if after their death, the person is found unsuitable to be an organ donor, then body donation to a medical school can be taken forward by the relatives, solicitor or executor of the will.
If a person wishes to register for both organ donation and body donation, the HTA suggests that the person includes this in their will and ensures that those closest to them are aware of their wishes.
Are there any limitations or conditions to body donation?
All medical schools welcome the offer of a donation. However, certain medical conditions may lead to the offer being declined. These conditions and any other reasons for a body donation being declined, can be obtained from each medical school.
What happens if my body is not accepted?
If a medical school is unable to accept your donation, they may be able to help you find another school which can accept your body.
However, if no medical school is able to accept your offer, your estate will need to make suitable funeral arrangements.
If I donate my body, will there be a funeral or memorial service?
Medical schools will usually arrange for donated bodies to be cremated, unless the family request the return of the body for a private burial or cremation.
Medical schools may hold a memorial service. Further information can be obtained directly from the medical school.
Can I donate my body to a specific cause or medical school?
Medical schools which accept donated bodies will normally only accept donations from within their local area due to the transport costs involved. Offers of body donation from outside the area may be accepted on the condition that the donor’s estate bears the cost of transporting the body. Full details can be obtained directly from the medical school. Contact details for medical schools are available to download from the right-hand side of this page.
Several medical schools are also involved in research requiring donated bodies. Your local school will be able to advise you of this.
Alternatively, the following human tissue banks accept brain and spinal tissue for research into specific medical conditions. As well as needing particular types of tissue from people with the conditions named below, they also accept donations of brain and spinal tissue from people without these conditions as controls to the research.
* London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank
Tel: 020 7848 0290
* Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Tissue Bank
Tel: 020 7594 9734
Tel for outside office hours: 07659 132045
* Parkinson’s Disease Tissue Bank
Tel: 020 7594 9732
Tel for outside office hours: 07659 104537
* Brain Bank for Autism and Related Developmental Research, Oxford University
Tel: 0800 089 0707
Are there any costs or payments involved?
You will not receive any payment for donating your body.
Some medical schools may request that the donor’s estate contribute to the cost of transporting the body, particularly if the donation falls outside of the medical school’s local area. Full details can be obtained directly from the medical school
Really want to do this have never managed to get the forms though How can the validation be incorrect there are only 3 letters for heaven’s sake
I have one Kidney , suffer from an under active Thyroid Gland , High Blood Pressure , Yet I feel that when I die Science should be able to view and look at my body in all it’s fraility , not from a perfect eye but from a ,” This is what this woman health was at her time of death ) ” , so as to help Medical Students understand what a body that was failing looked like. I’m a smoker and feel my lungs would be of interest , I have had four children, surely my bones would be of use. I had cancer and should’ve died at 27yrs old yet I’m now ( @ time of writing ) 57yrs old. I’m also of Afro-Carribean -Irish DNA, I know not many of us from my background who offer up our bodies to Science.
if i did donate my body what would happen to my funeral plan (bought and paid for)
How do I register to leave my body to medical science ?
I have already left my remains to a medical school in the north of England and then my son will recieve my ashes three years later.This procedure has obviously been discussed with him at great length as I have always been very open about death .The greatest good we can do after death is to donate organs or our body. Write or email your local medical school and they will send you the forms to fill in.
can you please supply address,s of who to register your body to science.i live in brighton sussen,england.
where is my nearest donation centre i live in plymouth.
I don’t know where my ‘local medical school’ is. All write ups say the form must be obtained from The Bereavement Officer of the school. Can you please supply the address of the school relative to Shildon, County Durham DL4. Thank you- Jan
I would like to donatae my body following death…I live in Consett Co.Durham Who can I speak too regarding this matter
I am suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis and would like to leave my body for research into this field and help to find a treatmen for this condition. How do I go abou getting the relavant forms.
I would like to consider donating my body after my death but I am not sure if there is a medical school in my area. Can you please advise me as to this regard. I live in the north manchester area (bury). Thankyou PB.
i want any infomation on leaving my body to medical science, and any forms required to so dontec at
want to donate my body to medical sience and request all relivent forms
i want any infomation on leaving my body to medical science, and any forms required to FLAT B 58 DALMORTON ROAD , NEWBRIGHTON, WIRRAL, MERSEYSIDE CH45 1LF
I do not know where my local ‘ Medicl School is ‘ so I can contact them for the correct forms. Many thanks. Fred.
My father donated his body to Leeds University as he lived in Carlisle, however, they were unable to accept him as they were full. My father died at hospital in Winchester, Hampshire and the Bereavement Officer at the Hospital suggest I try Southampton or the London Anatomy Office as they will take referrals. Unfortunately, Southampton were also full, however the London Anatomy Office were able to take him. It was such a relief to be able to carry out his request, albeit not to the school he had requested. They arranged to come and collect Dad from Winchester and transport him to London (£200 fee). He was adamant that he wanted others to benefit from his body after he died after hearing an article on the radio about the UK having to import bodies from abroad for our futrure Drs and surgeons to learn on!. I am now filling in the forms to donate myself to Southampton as I live within their catchment area currently.
can you please supply address’s of who to register your body to science . I live Clacton essex
@Bazz. Your nearest medical school accepting body donations is the University of Cambridge. The contact details are as follows: Lynn Haythorpe, Dept of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY. Tel: 01223 333776.
I have filled in forms for the London School of Anatomy for the event of my death. Of course, I may be some distance away at the time. Is there are general form I can fill in so that the nearest school of anatomy may receive it?
@ Rudi. No, arrangements would be made to take your body to the medical organisation you have your agreement with.
I have bought and paid for my funeral but would like to donate my body to medical research. Can I still do this?
@Linda Lou. Yes you can still do this, but you need to make sure the medical school and your family are aware of your wishes. The medical school will return the body for the funeral.
Are you aware of any self help groups or on-line forums to help the relatives of donors to medical science? My mum in law donated her body to the LAO. Our local bereavement counselling service have never come across this situation so cannot offer specific help. I have emailed the LAO but have had no response and cannot find anything on their site
ars later.Thisprocedure has obviously been discussed with him at great length as I have always been very open about death .The greatest good we can do after death is to donate organs or our body. Write or email your local medical school and they will send you the forms to fill in.
My father in law wanted to donate his body to medical science. Unfortunately when he died we found that all the legalities in relation to the paperwork were not suffice so we could carry out his wishes We therfore wish to donate the collection taken at his funeral to medical science research. Does anyonehave any contact names or telephone numbers so that we can forward the money.
@Kelly. The Human Tissue Authority is a regulatory authority and so it will be difficult to send funds directly to them. If you have an area of medicine that you would like to donate towards, then search directly for the UK registered charities funding that particular research.E.g.
Cancer Research UK
The British Heart Foundation
The Brain Research Trust
etc
i live in the dumbartonshire area were is the nearest med school and info on where to obtain the necassary forms to donate ones body?many thanks for any info sent.kindest regards.angeleyes.
@Angeleyes. Try the Health Quality and Safety Branch G.ER, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. 0131 244 2711
I wish to donate my body to medical science, will you please send me a form. Thank you.
@Lego. You will need to find the nearest medical school that accepts body donations. Here is a list of all the UK medical schools which will do this.
I want to donate my body for medical research so that Doctors and medical staff may learn .Where do I get the appropriate forms or can you send them to me. I live in Southport Merseyside
@Dave. Here are the contact details for your area.
I live in kilmarnock east ayrshire, could you please tell me the nearest place I could donate my body after death. Could you please send me the forms for me to do this.
@Speedy. Here is the address you should write to: Health Quality and Safety Branch G.ER, St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
Hi my mum wants to donate her body i just wanted to no what happens when you have finish with her body as been told i could get her ashes also she as had a hysterectomy will she be accepted to donate as i dont no nothing about donating a body thank you
I have metastatic breast cancer and would like my body to be used for research. Is this possible?
@trace. Yes you can get the ashes afterwards. The best thing to do to find out if your mum’s body would be accepted is to contact the relevant medical school (that is part of the HTA). Here is a list of the medical schools to contact – just type in the postcode where you mother lives.
Just wanted to say that my amazing Nana donated her body 6 months ago and I could not be prouder!! Tomorrow my family and I will attend a thanks giving service in her honour at the Liverpool Cathedral. I have definitely been inspired to follow in my Nana’s wishes to become a donor
I have always said from early age my body will go to teach up and coming students . I will never won’t my family to pay for funeral I won’t then to party on . I won’t people to learn this is how not to treat your body . I won’t people to use my body and learn .
I have a fatty liver some heart issues alcohol related problems
More info About donation and remains after wards
I leave in Derbyshire, how do I go about leaving my body to for research and do I need to contact a local hospital.
@sooty50. Yes you need to contact University of Nottingham Medical School. Alison Bexon Tel: 0115 823 0143 alison.bexon@nottingham.ac.uk
My sister has just donated her body to Liverpool I would be interested in doing the same
I’m 60 years old. I wish to donate my body to medical science. How do I do this..
Hi I’m looking to donate my body to science when I pass on how do I go about doing this please
@Vivvy. Here’s a link to the Human Tissue Authority page . Just search by your post code to find the nearest medical school to you.
is there any kind payment for donating your body to medical science
I live in Norwich and am considering leaving my body to science, before that can I they still take my organs before the rest of me is donated or has it got to be the whole body. And who do I get in contact with.
@mertle You need to contact Norwich Medical School – University of East Anglia. Contact details are as follows: Mrs Sue O’Connor, Tel: 01603 591104, anatomy@uea.ac.uk
Hi does age matter when considering acceptance also what about medical history. Thanks
I am over 60 & don’t have any family to deal with my body if it wasn’t accepted for what ever reason. In that case what would happen to my body?
You still have a funeral/burial even if you donate your body to medical science. Make sure you leave instructions with a trusted friend or solicitor to make your funeral arrangements if you have no family.
I was born with saethra chotzen syndrome and would like to donate my body to help find anything about the syndrome Now I am 70 yrs old I would like to know whether it is possible to leave my body to that organisation Thank you Sylvia
You have to go through the Human Tissue Authority to donate your body for research. Find the relevant medical school here
I am in Deal near Dover, Kent. Please tell me my nearest bequeathed hospital for body donation.
The nearest one to you is the The London Anatomy office
5.7, 5th Floor Hodgkin Building
King’s College London
London
SE1 1UL
020 7848 8042
I wish to donate my body for medical research I live in Gloucestershire I was a nurse for many years and I know how important it is to learn on real bodies
Hi I live in Bolton Lancashire and have told my family that I want my body to go to medical science whete is the nearest hospital for this?
Your nearest medical school is likely to be the Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EJ. Sue Foot: 0117 954 6203 or email sue.foot@bristol.ac.uk
The nearest medical school for you to donate your body for science is the University of Manchester. Contact details are on this page
Firstly which is the nearest place/university etc to me living in Devizes, that would take my body? and secondly what happens if you die in a different location? John
Hello, i live in Merseyside and was born with congenital heart defect and now have Pulmonary Hypertension so its only time for me now. I would like if possible to donate my body to a Heart Teaching Hospital. Which would be my nearest please would it be Broadgreen Thankyou
The nearest place is Oxford Bequest Office,Tel: 01865 272181 bequests@dpag.ox.ac.uk. Once you’ve registered with them, you should also inform your next of kin etc. Your wishes will be noted and arrangements can be made to transfer your body in the event that you die in a different location.
It’s the University of Liverpool – Medical school and the contact is Dee Tully, 0151 794 5442 or email body-donation@liverpool.ac.uk
So my father donated his body to medical science at Keele university Staffordshire. When they have finished would I be able to collect them to spread closer to my own home (Wiltshire)?
Yes the ashes will be given back to a designated person who can then choose whether to keep them or scatter them.
hello, i am considering donating my body to medical research but i also have strong beliefs about finding alternatives to animal expereimentation and was wondering if you knew of any organisations where i could donate my body but it would be used in finding alternatives to using animals for medical research thank you
Most medical schools will not specify exactly how your body donation would be used as it would depend on what projects were underway at the time of your death. You could try contacting the Human Tissue Authority for more information.
Hi there, I am considering donating my body to medical science. I am 46yrs old now, I have suffered from depression for around 30 years I have Severe Chronic COPD (A Lung transplant may be possible in the future) I have also had Cervical Cancer which resulted in a Wertheim’s hysterectomy. My question is, would it be worth me donating my body seeing as there isn’t a lot left working?
After watching this on TV I am seriously considering this but after you have finished with the body who cremates and is the cost passed back to living family members?
We’re sure they can still find “useful parts” to work on 🙂 Try contacting your nearest accepting medical school , they’ll be able to tell you for sure.
The cremation is usually organised by the relevant medical school at no cost to the family. Sometimes a family will be asked for costs if there are unusual costs involved such as transportation etc.
My dad has left his body to medical science. I have not heard from him for 2 yrs is there anyway i can find out if this has happened . Tried many avenues just need answers
I would like to leave my body to medical science for these reasons (1) obviously for medical advance’s (2) I don’t believe in the pompous ceremony untitled ‘a funeral’ (3) what a complete rip off . I’m dead its a carcass ,I really don’t care weather I’m put in a sack and chucked in the river … Or just chucked in an incinerator but two people singing the words ” a leg and a wing to see the king ” … But really if I can be of some use when dead can’t be a bad thing if it will help the human race as a hole
I have had a total hysterectomy including removal of my cervix and ovaries, I would like to donate my body but wonder how valuable this would be considering that my entire reproductive system is missing?
There will be research that can be carried out on many of your other organs. Get in touch with your local medical school and ask what the procedure is; you’ll find them very helpful.
Me and my dad would like to donate our bodys to scince when we die
Hi, I’m very interested in donating my body to medical science, could you please tell me where the nearest medical school to myself is and how I g about sorting this out. Thankyou
Hi, diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2006 otherwise in quite good condition. Will my body be accepted for medical science, if so, where and who is my nearest contact please ? Iive in Sale -Manchester. Thank You
I am thinking of leaving my body to medical science. Where do I get the relevant forms? I think Birmingham is my nearest university.
Here is the contact information for the Birmingham Medical School: Jean Brooks, Tel: 0121 414 6811, j.s.brooks@bham.ac.uk
know matter what family say this is my choice !!
On leaving my body to medical science – would there be cost implications to the family I leave behind?
Hi, I am interested in leaving my body to medical science and would be very grateful if you could give me details of the nearest Medical University/College. I am 50 years old and have Multiple Sclerosis and am currently being tested for lung problems. I live in St Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex.
Iooking forward to being of use
After having open heart surgery with aortic valve replacement also root inside heart repaired..also having type 2 diabetes.. I would like to donate my body after my death for use to medical students at Newcastle Uni.. Having been in nd out of hospital having pacemakers fitted and currently have a defibrilater type fitted. Many student doctors have examined me and found my medical condition ‘amazing’ and cant believe im still alive..So this is my wish to repay and help those who do a remarkable job and for future doctors/nurses/surgeons..
im thinking of donating my body can you please tell me who to contact near to me im in ayrshire scotland
You should be able to find the relevant medical school here
i would like to donate my body to medical science. I live in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. How do I go about this?
this is arun from india age 29 m . I have donet my body for madical recarch . Where r contate … My whats aap number 91 9300867571.
I live in leeds and want to leave my body to science do I speak to my doctor about this and I’ve being told that you get payed to do this is this correct
Contact: Sarah Wilson at Leeds Medical School on 0113 343 4297, email: s.j.moore@leeds.ac.uk or write to:
The Division of Anatomy
Leeds Institute of Medical Education
Leeds
LS2 9JT
You do not usually get paid to donate your body for medical research. You might have to pay some costs (from your estate when you die) towards transportation of your body etc
I would love to donate my body, I live in Nottinghamshire could you please provide me wit a contact number or e-mail, Thankd
My mum would like to donate her body to science she lives in Glasgow Scotland
I would definitely like to leave my body to Medical Science but don’t know who to contact in my area. I live in Kensington, London. Can you help at all? Many thanks. Moo
The contact for your local medical school is: Alison Bexon on 0115 823 0143 or email alison.bexon@nottingham.ac.uk.
You can also write to: Anatomy Office
School of Life Sciences
Queen’s Medical Centre
Nottingham
NG7 2UH
Your contact is Ann Marie Mellish at
University of Glasgow
The Laboratory of Human Anatomy
Glasgow
G12 8AA
Email annmarie.mellish@glasgow.ac.uk
Tel: 0141 330 5397
Your contact details are:
Donations Officer Tel: 020 7848 8042
lao@kcl.ac.uk
or write to:
The London Anatomy office
5.7, 5th Floor Hodgkin Building
King’s College London
London
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I live in hull and would like to donate my body when I die. Can you tell me who I should contact please.
I’d like to leave my body to science I live in Southampton Hampshire who do I get in touch with
Contact Hull York Medical School
Jackie Houlton on 01482 464750 or email Jackie.houlton@hyms.ac.uk
You can contact:
Hayley Rawlings at the Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences on 02381 205763 or email H.Rawlings@southampton.ac.uk. The mail address is:
Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences
Mailpoint 845, South Academic Block
Southampton General Hospital
Southampton
SO16 6Y
I’d like to leave my body to science I live in Suffolk how do I find out what I have to do regards Rebecca
I’d like to leave my body to medical science. I live in Blackburn, Lancashire. Who would I contact?
You need to contact: Lynn Haythorpe at the Human Anatomy Centre of Cambridge University. Her number is: 01223 333776 or email leh42@cam.ac.uk. You can also write to:
The Human Anatomy Centre, Dept PDN
University of Cambridge
Downing Street
Cambridge
CB2 3DY
Contact Dee Tully at the University of Liverpool. The number is 0151 794 5442 or email body-donation@liverpool.ac.uk or dmtully@liverpool.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)
I would like to leave my body to medical science I’m from Doncaster who would I get in touch with about this O Out this O thisTOm
I would definitely like to donate my body to medical science. Please can you tell me who I contact. I live in Brighton East Sussex. Thank you
You can contact the donations officer at Kings College London as follows:
Tel: 020 7848 8042 or email lao@kcl.ac.uk.
Or write to
The London Anatomy office
5.7, 5th Floor Hodgkin Building
King’s College London
London
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I live in Cardiff and have been considering leaving my body to medical science. Can you please tell me who I contact to make further enquiries? Also, once my body is finished with, will it be disposed of by the medical establishment or does the remains have to be handed back to next of kin for burial? Kind regards, Philip
Your medical school is at University of Cardiff, School of Biosciences. Contact: Mr Swaran Yarnell, Mrs Lisa Jones or Ms Bethan McCarthy on 02920 874370 or on the following emails respectively: yarnellsg@cardiff.ac.uk, meadl1@cardiff.ac.uk, mccarthyb2@cardiff.ac.uk.
Your remains are given back for burial.
I live in Helston Cornwall and would like to arrange to leave my body to medical science. Could you give me details of how this can be arranged and as I have no family, what will happen if the medical school decline my body?
Hi – I live in East Kent….who (and where) would I need to contact to leave my body to medical science? Kind regards
Why would a Medical School refuse a body? …
These are the reasons the Human Tissue Authority gives:
“All medical schools welcome the offer of a donation. However, certain medical conditions may lead to the offer being declined. Medical schools can give you more information about these conditions and any other reasons why a body donation may be declined.
Post-mortem examination (sometimes referred to as an ‘autopsy’) is an important reason why a medical school might decline the offer of a body donation. We recommend that potential donors and their families are prepared to consider alternative arrangements in these circumstances, which can arise unexpectedly. Depending on the circumstances of a person’s death, a Coroner might require, by law, that a post-mortem examination takes place.
It is important to note that medical schools might not be able to accept donated bodies during holiday periods, such as Christmas.”
More information
I live in Leicestershire who do I contact to leave my body to science
I would like to donate my body to medical science. I live in Wiltshire, please could you tell me who I need to contact? Thank you.
Who do I get in touch with to donate my body I live in north wales
Depending on the area of Wiltshire you’re in, then it will be the medical schools at either Oxford or Bristol. Contact details are as follows:
Oxford Bequest Office
Tel: 01865 272181
bequests@dpag.ox.ac.uk
or Bristol Medical School
Contact: Sue Foot
Tel: 0117 954 6203
sue.foot@bristol.ac.uk
Try contacting the University of Liverpool Medical school, Contact: Dee Tully, Tel: 0151 794 5442 email: body-donation@liverpool.ac.uk or dmtully@liverpool.ac.uk
I live in Barnsley area of Yorkshire & wish to leave my body to Medical Science. Please advise who I should Contact. PUT
We are both thinking off donating our bodies to science on death but don ‘know how to go about this, we live in the east Yorkshire area of uk could you please let us know how.
We don’t know exactly where you are in East Yorkshire but it’s likely that one of two medical schools will accept body donations. Contacts for Sheffield University are: Jane Collins or Wendy Howard, tel:0114 222 4642 or email j.collins@sheffield.ac.uk or w.howard@sheffield.ac.uk. You could also write to: The Medical Teaching Unit, Department of Biomedical Science, Addison Building, Sheffield, S10 2TN.
Contact for Hull University is Jackie Houlton, tel: 01482 464750 email Jackie.houlton@hyms.ac.uk. Or write to University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX
I’ve had heart attack & damaged arteries if I die of heart failure would I still be accepted for medical science? I used to drink heavily too (not now) so could also have enlarged liver. What’s the age limit?
The best thing to do would be to ask your nearest medical school that accepts donations. They may be interested in examining organs that have been damaged etc.
Can any family or friends attend the cremation?
.
Sometimes a medical school will hold a service – you should contact the relevant medical school to see what their policy.
I would like to donate my body to science. I live in Cumbria. Who do I contact?
I have already signed the body donation forms. Someone local I know had her donation refused when she died. I know this may happen. Several people have said that it is less likely that your body would be accepted as you age. Is this true? Does the liklehood decline when you are 70, 80, 90? I ask because if as I age it becomes less and less likely then I would want to buy a funeral plan to make it all easier for my daughter and might regretfully consider withdrawing my donation.
You will need to ask your own medical school (where you signed the forms) for more information about this.
Hello, I’m in a quandry. I am on the donor register but also thinking of donating my body to medical science. The idea of extending someone elses life through donation is obviously very appealing. I understand that the body has to be intact for it to be donated to science. Is it possible to be listed as both so that if body parts cant be used then my body can then be donated? I guess the other option is to opt for medical science if I become terminally ill. Also is it possible to choose the University you wish to donate your body to? I work for a University and I would like my body donated to the place I work. Thank you.
Contact the relevant medical school and ask for answers to these questions. Many of them have slightly different policies. You can find out which medical schools accept body donations etc here
I live in Hayle, in Cornwall I have registered as a donor but I wish to give permission for my Brain to be made available for medical science on my Death with the hope of helping with mental health, what do I need to do??
Contact the Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy at University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EJ, The contact details are: Sue Foot, Tel: 0117 954 6203 or email sue.foot@bristol.ac.uk
If you were to donate your body to science could it be used as part of a televison programme? Its something I would do but the thought of that does not sit well with me. If there was an option to “opt out’ would you need to specify this
I would like to leave my body to medical science i live in Tewkesbury gloucs who would be my university to contact pls ty.
My wife and I wish to leave our whole bodies to medical and or science. We/ live in Cyprus at present. Please can you tell us who to contact
My beautiful daughter, Christina died on the 29th September last month. She was my world. When I mentioned to her that I wanted to donate my body, she was horrified. Now Christina has gone I would like to donate my body.i hope I am accepted .
I want to leave my body to medical research. How do I and can you send me the forms I need to fill in and sign.
I want to donate my body to science after my death which is nearmedical hospital i can contact i live in newcastle tyne wear thank you miss patricia herron
Newcastle University is your nearest one. Contact: Hayley Clark, 0191 208 6616 or email anatomy.bequests@ncl.ac.uk
Me and my wife would like to leave are body to medical school,we live in reading Berkshire.how do we go about let .thank you
The contact details for the London Anatomy Office medical school are as follows:
Donations Officer
Tel: 020 7848 8042
email@ lao@kcl.ac.uk
Post:
The London Anatomy office
5.7, 5th Floor Hodgkin Building
King’s College London
London
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I Am really considering leaving my body to medical school . I have thought about this for months
I am considering leaving my body to medical science on my death as my mother and grandfather did the same I am 61 at the moment and nursing where would I get the reverent forms I stay in Aberdeen Scotland thank you
Contact Jane Patterson on 01224 274 320 / 01224 272 000 or email jane.patterson@abdn.ac.uk at the University of Aberdeen.
I would like to donate my body to medical research. where do I contact regarding this? I live in Ayrshire (Kilmarnock area).
Yes, please check the information on the Scottish body donation page
I live in Virginia Water Surrey aged 62 and am interested in leaving my body to science on my death can you please advise where my nearest medical centre is that deal with this Thank you
Yes it’s the London Anatomy Office, details as follows:
Donations Officer
The London Anatomy office
5.7, 5th Floor Hodgkin Building
King’s College London
London
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Tel: 020 7848 8042
lao@kcl.ac.uk
Interested donating my body to medical science
Please would you let me know how I go about donating my body to a local medical school? I live in Norwich, Norfolk. Thank you.
I would like to donated my body to medical science research upon my death. I have a son who lossed his liver, due to unknown courses. He survived thx to a 12 year old donor. My granddaughter has a rare illness which is called AHC. Can I still donated my body upon death to medical science research. I live in Manhattan, New York City. Thank you .
Sorry, but as we’re UK based, we can only offer information about UK institutions and regulations.
Who do I contact in relation to leaving my body to medical research? I live in Swansea .
I would love to leave my body to medical science when I die but I am also on organ donor list How or who do I contact to organise this please I live in Lowestoft, Suffolk
It’s Norwich Medical School – University of East Anglia. Contact: Mrs Sue O’Connor, 01603 591104 or email: anatomy@uea.ac.uk
I understand why I can no longer be an organ doner now that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. However I would imagine my body would still be of use to medical science. Is this the case and if so whom do I contact? I live in Cornwall
The university of Bristol – Medical school accepts donated bodies from the Cornwall area. Contact details are as follows: Sue Foot, 0117 954 6203 or email: anat-bequestoffice@bristol.ac.uk
Hi my dad has always talked about his body going to medical science we know it is his wish to do it but back in november he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma grade 4 my mum has said he hasent got a will so not sure if he actually went ahead and filled the forms out is there a way of knowing if he has done it? Also does it have to be in a will? Thank you
a word of caution. the brother of a friend of mine had donated his body. When near death, he was put on life support system. However, when a body is donated, the person has to die naturally, so the machine was turned off, and it took three days for the person to die naturally. The family went through an additional agony to their grief, having to wait around for the actual death. it was a horrifying situation for them. I don’t know if this is the case in all hospitals, but you need to check.
I am classed as clinically obese and think medical science may be able to learn a lot from from my dead body if so how do I go about putting things in place for when I die I have spoken to my children who are fully aware of my wishes after I die
Hi my dad died in 1994 of non Hodgkin lymphoma and donated his body to medical science His partner at the time won’t tell me what happened Can I retrieve my dad’s ashes as I need to lay him to rest Any advice will be most helpful. I’m so proud that he has done this but I need him back
I would like to donate my body to medical study after my death. Can you post me a form to A fom to complete. I don’t have access to a printer.
We don’t have the forms here. You need to contact the relevant medical school. Here is where to look
I want to leave my body to medical science when I die. Please send me the necessary forms for completion, and information on the nearest involved hospital and outline the procedure, I live in Hampshire Thank you.
i have a brain tumor and cvid and ild lungs i want to know with these illnesses can i donate my body when will i know if my body will be accepted as i will want to start sorting buriel if not also how do i get forms i live westminster london
Well – don’t bother with Nottingham Uni Life Sciences. My mother left her body to them. They said “don’t worry we have 5 days to decide if we want it” and after 4 days said “no”. They don’t appreciate at all there is a family that needs to know if they need to arrange a funeral or not – they were more concerned with trying to get people “in between meetings” to make a decision.
i live in wigan who do i cintact to leave my body to science
i wish to donate my body for sience and i wish you to send me a form 28albert place nr14″jl thankyou
I have osteoarthritis in both hips and would like to donate my body to medical science as I feel it may be useful for orthopaedic medical students. I live in Bedford, UK. Can you tell me who I should contact please – thank you.
I would like to leave my body to science when I’m gone. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and a fusion on my lower spine. Would they accept my body with these issues. Thank you in advance