It’s rewarding to give something back but, sometimes, it’s hard to know what to do that could have a life lasting impact. For some, it’s volunteering in the local community by donating their time or talents. For others, it’s a different type of donation and one that we probably don’t think too much about.
Organ donation is, “when you decide to give an organ to save or transform the life of someone else,” according to the NHS Blood and Transplant organisation. Footnote [1] It may not be the first type of donation that crosses your mind, but it’s certainly one that can change lives. And you may not think about it regularly because in 2020, the law in England changed so that anyone who dies (over the age of 18) is automatically considered an organ donor; unless you choose to ‘opt out’ ahead of time or if you’re part of certain groups who aren’t automatically included.
How lives are transformed
6,945 people are waiting for a transplant in the UK and, since April 2022, 3,462 people have received a transplant. Footnote [2] Some of the conditions and medical issues that may need an organ donation include:
- kidney disease
- heart conditions
- cystic fibrosis
- diabetes
- physical injuries
The longer someone waits for a transplant, the greater the risk to their life. In 2022, 420 people died while waiting for a transplant. Footnote [3]
Organ donation is especially important for some minority ethnic communities that may have more people in need than transplants available. To learn more about organ donations within minority ethnic communities, explore the NHS Blood and Transplant website for videos and further information.
How donations are made
In most cases, donations can be made after death. But some organs may be donated while someone is alive, following medical advice and through guidance from the relevant NHS body.
- Kidneys are the most common type of organ donation. You can either donate directly to someone you know (a friend or family member) or to an anonymous person.
- Liver donations can help people with liver disease, primary livery cancer, and some children with metabolic diseases. Partial liver donations are possible in the UK (since 1995) and, according to the NHS, there are around 600 people still waiting for liver transplants at the end of each year. Footnote [4]
- Stem cells from young donors (aged 16 to 30) are needed for stem cell transplants, which can help people with blood cancer and blood related disorders.
It’s also possible to make tissue donations while alive, like donating placenta or cord blood after a birth or bone after a hip replacement. Visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website if you’d like to learn more.
When someone dies, healthcare professionals make an assessment on whether any of their organs are suitable because only living tissue can be successfully transplanted. And it seems only 1% of people die in a way that allows for organ donations. After death, organs that may be donated are the heart, lungs, liver, small bowel, kidneys, and pancreas.
Some also choose to donate tissue after death, including skin, bones, corneas, and tendons. Others donate their brains after death, which can help doctors and researchers learn more about dementias and other brain conditions. Donating organs for research, however, is not part of the ‘opt-in’ system and a person would need to register with the UK Brain Banks Network.
Regardless of your choice to be an organ donor, healthcare professionals have a duty of care to save your life first. The healthcare professionals who make the assessment on whether organs are suitable for donation is separate to the team that cares for your health.
How choices are made
With the automatic ‘opt-in’ system, most people are considered an organ donor. There’s no age limit to becoming an organ donor and children can register themselves with their parents’ permission (if they’re under 18 in England) and parents or guardians may register their children too. To learn more about the organ donation registry, visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website. It’s also important to remember that once someone dies (through circulatory, brain or heart death) then a healthcare team steps in to guide the family through the next steps.
And although someone may have a medical condition, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t be an organ donor; it would depend on an assessment made by a healthcare professional.
Often, the best match for organ transplants come from people of the same ethnic background. A third of those waiting for a kidney transplant in the UK are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. “While some people with a Black or Asian background go on to donate when they die each year,” notes to the NHS, “this is not enough to meet the needs of all patients waiting for a transplant from those communities.” Footnote [5]
For some, the decision to be an organ donor may be deeply personal and that may mean having conversations with loved ones about their beliefs and wishes. For those curious about their faith’s views on organ donation, reaching out to faith leaders or exploring the NHS Organ Donation website may be a first step.
And the decision doesn’t need to be permanent as you can change your mind.
Whether you’re considering donating kidney, part of your liver or another organ, you can update your choices about organ donations on the NHS Organ Donor Register.