OrgansRegister here
Join the Organ Donor Register today,
click here to sign-up now
For more information on other ways you can join click here
Celebrity campaigners
Click here to find out more about our celebrity campaigners, listen to their podcasts and find out who the latest stars are to sign-up! Watch the latest TV advert.
Answers
19 Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition?
Yes, in most circumstances. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor. The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is made by a healthcare professional, taking into account your medical history.
There are only two conditions where organ donation is ruled out completely. A person cannot become an organ or tissue donor if they have been diagnosed with HIV or have, or are suspected of having, CJD.
20 Can I be a donor if I have been turned down to donate blood?
Yes. The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is always made by a specialist, taking into account your medical history. There may be specific reasons why it has not been possible to donate blood, such as having had a blood transfusion or having had hepatitis in the past. Or there may be reasons why you could not give blood because of your health at the time – sometimes a simple thing like a cold or medication that you are taking can prevent you from donating blood.
21 Can a child donate after their death?
Yes, if he or she had expressed such a wish and was considered legally competent to do so. If their wishes were not known, permission would be sought from their parent or the person in the closest qualifying relationship (see Question 45) to them at the time of their death. A child is defined as being under 16 in Scotland and under 18 in the rest of the UK.
22 Is there a minimum age to join the NHS Organ Donor Register?
No. Parents and guardians can register their children and children can register themselves. Children who are under 12 in Scotland and under 18 in the rest of the UK at the time of registration will require their parent or guardian's agreement for donation to take place.
Children over 12 in Scotland are considered legally competent to register themselves and their parent/guardian does not have the legal right to veto or overrule their wishes.
Send an e-card
Once you’ve joined the register send one of our campaign e-cards to your family and friends to let them know!
Click here to send an e-card
Why tell a loved one?
In Wales, like the rest of the UK, most organ donations come from heartbeating donors.
Click here to find out more.
