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Hope out of Tragedy
Scotland has an opt out system of organ and tissue donation but it’s still important to register your wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You have the choice to either opt in or opt out. Whatever you decide it’s important to share that decision with your family as they will always be approached if organ or tissue donation is a possibility.
Do it now. Do it for them. So, if the worst happens, they know what you WANTED.
Stories
Lives Transformed by Donation
Duncan’s Story
Zabrina’s Story
Clinicians Story
Highland Organ Donation
Myth Busting / Did You Know
It’s a myth that I don't need to register my decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Scotland operates an opt-out system for organ and tissue donation. This means that if you have not recorded a decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, it will be assumed that you agree to donate certain organs and tissue for transplantation.
Specialist Nurses will always check the NHS Organ Donor Register to see if you had recorded a donation decision. They will then share this information with your family to ensure your most recent wishes are understood and respected. That’s why it’s important to make your decision, register it, and discuss it with those closest to you.
So decide, register, and talk to your family. Don’t leave them guessing when they’re already in shock and grief.
Did you know one body can save many lives?
Organs like your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small bowel can be donated, plus tissue like heart valves, skin, parts of your eyes and tendons. You can opt to donate all or any organs and tissue.
Will you still try and save my life?
With every organ donor potentially saving many lives, some people fear that less effort might be made to keep them alive. Clinical Lead for Organ Donation at NHS Highland, Dr John Rae, is emphatic that this is never the case. “Our absolute priority in Intensive Care is to keep people alive. Only after every avenue has been explored and exhausted, and options have run out, will the question of organ donation even enter our minds.”
I’m too old to be a donor.
Probably not! For organs, the deciding factor is the donor's physical condition rather than their age. Organs from people in their 70s and early 80s, and tissue, such as corneas from those in their early 90s, can be successfully transplanted. At the other end of the scale, children can register as organ donors from the age of 12.
Is Organ Donation against my religion?
It might be helpful to know that all main faith groups support the principles of organ donation and transplantation, so the question of whether you wish to donate is one of personal choice.
My health or lifestyle choices are a barrier to becoming a donor.
Don’t rule yourself out! Even if you have smoked, used recreational drugs, or have had a cancer diagnosis in the past, your organs can still give life to others. There are very few conditions where organ donation is ruled out completely. A clinical team will carry out tests and look at your medical history, making an assessment on a case by case and organ by organ basis.
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Register Your Decision
Whether it’s opt in or opt out, registering your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register gives medical teams clarity about your wishes. Your family will always be asked about your latest views to confirm whether your decision is up to date, so it’s essential to share your decision with them. Don’t leave anyone guessing. It needn’t be a big conversation; a wee chat will do.
Do it now. Just so everyone is clear. Then get on with your day.
