Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone who needs a transplant. Thousands of lives in the UK are saved or transformed each year by organ transplants.
Organs that can be donated by people who have died include heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver and small bowel.
Tissue such as skin, bone and heart valves can also be used to save and improve people’s lives, and corneas can help to restore people’s sight.
At Hampshire Hospitals, we have a dedicated team that works alongside colleagues at other specialist hospitals to support the organ donation process.
They take great care of patients, donors and their loved ones.
We also have an Organ Donation Committee, which works to raise awareness of the need for people to register and have a conversation with their loved ones about this decision.
Professor Stephen Duckworth, Chair of the Organ Donation Committee
Professor Stephen Duckworth is chair of Hampshire Hospitals’ Organ Donation Committee.
While Stephen brings a wealth of industry and government experience to the role, he also brings a very personal insight and understanding of the way in which life can suddenly present the very worst.
Hear directly from Stephen about why it's so we all have a conversation with those around us about organ donation preferences.
As Stephen says: “One donor can transform up to nine lives. Let’s make those conversations part of our every day care for each other.”
Meet George, our specialist nurse for organ donation
Our former organ donation committe chair, Steve Erskine, recorded this powerful film which explains that only a very small number of people become organ donors each year, and that number comes nowhere close to meeting the demand.
If you or a loved one needed a donated organ, would you accept? If so, please consider your registration status and have the conversation.
Some facts about organ donation
- There is no age limit for becoming an organ donor.
- Having an illness or medical condition doesn't necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor.
- It is still possible to become an organ donor if you smoke.
- Donors from all communities and ethnicities are needed.
Head here for more information.
