Considering donation

How do I give consent for anatomical examination?

Under the Human Tissue Act 2004, written and witnessed consent for anatomical examination must be given prior to death. Consent cannot be given by someone else. For consent for body donation to be valid under the Human Tissue Act, it must be in writing and signed by the donor in the presence of a witness who attests their signature. If you decide to proceed with donation, consent is given and witnessed on the paper bequest form enclosed in our donor booklet. Once signed and witnessed and returned to us, consent is registered on our body donor register.

The Human Tissue Authority accepts that it may not always be possible to obtain written consent from an individual who has chosen to donate their body for anatomical examination, for example when a person with sufficient mental capacity is physically unable to write. In such circumstances please contact us for advice on providing valid consent.

You may also indicate your choice to donate your body for anatomical examination in your will. If you decide to proceed with your donation, we encourage you to complete and return our bequest form and to insert a copy in your will. If you choose not to use a consent form in your will, the wording of your consent in your will should closely resemble the wording on the bequest form, that is ‘I wish to donate my body after my death. I understand that it may be used for anatomical examination, education, training and research relating to human anatomy and human health.’

If you have any question about indicating your consent to anatomical examination, please contact us so that we can advise you.

Do I live close enough to Oxford?

We normally only accept donations from those with an OX, RG or SN postcode. If you move house but remain within this area, it is helpful (though not essential) if you notify us of your new address.

If you move away from Oxford and into an area normally allocated to another medical school, your existing forms may remain valid, and with your consent can be sent to that institution. If you do move out of the local area, please contact us to find out which medical school is the most appropriate to consider your donation.

Can I withdraw my consent?

Consent can be withdrawn at any time by notifying us in writing. We ask that you also destroy any copies you may have made of the form, to avoid any confusion for your next of kin.

Can I discuss my consent with anyone if I have concerns?

We are always glad to hear from prospective donors and you are welcome to contact us to discuss or to withdraw your consent.

Can I donate my organs as well?

You may wish to donate your organs and tissue after you die. The Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019 introduced an ‘opt-out’ system of organ and tissue donation in England otherwise known as ‘deemed consent’. This means that all adults in England are considered to have agreed to be an organ and tissue donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. The law does not apply to people that die under the age of 18. Different provisions apply elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

You can find out more and register your decision to opt-in or opt-out by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and sharing your decision with your family. If you do not want to record your decision in this way you can simply tell your family and friends of your decision.

We are not able to accept donations for anatomical examination if organs or tissues have been donated. The only exception to this is the donation of corneas. You should discuss your preferences with your family. Your next of kin would need to know which form of donation you wished to prioritise.