NHS Organ Donor Register

That’s Sidney the Kidney. He’s excited because The NHS Organ Donor Register  (ODR) is celebrating its tenth birthday this year.  A cake will be baked and Sidney will be allowed lick the bowl.

The ODR is a confidential database that holds the wishes of more than 11 million organ donors. After death, if a suitable match is found, the next of kin will be consulted and they will be asked for approval before a transplant goes ahead. (I'm sure the United States has something just as clever – and yes, a whole lot cleaner too )

There’s a desperate need for more donors. Last year nearly 400 people died while waiting for a transplant. One in ten people waiting for a heart transplant will die and many others will lose their lives before they even get on to the waiting list.

You’re all busy people, I can tell. So thank goodness there isn't an NHS waiting list  on signing up. You can sign up online within seconds by clicking here. Ta!

I think I'm signed up - when I signed up for a Boots loyalty card, they asked me if I wanted to be a donor and I said yes and there's a little notation on my card.

In the US I had the notation on my DL.

I signed up online three years ago. Wasnt sure if I was supposed to received something in the mail or what.

I signed up for it online a while ago but how do they know if you're signed up? does it come up in the nhs system when your details are entered?

I signed up for it online a while ago but how do they know if you're signed up? does it come up in the nhs system when your details are entered?

I was puzzled by that also. What do we have to do wait till we die till we find out?
 My father died waiting on the donor list so for me being a donor is very personal and important. I hope everyone volunteers for organ donation.

Dh  was  a big donor  fan  until he found out you had  to OK them  to use  anesthesia..  hhmm..
excuse me?  if you're dead.. why would you have  to OK that??  he tore up his  card..

Dh was a big donor fan until he found out you had to OK them to use anesthesia.. hhmm..
excuse me? if you're dead.. why would you have to OK that?? he tore up his card..

What?? I never heard of that and I never got a card. Anyway I guess if I had to consent anesthesia then I would do it. Whatever. Weird though.
Im gonna go to the site now.

Another thing to keep in mind:

For people with non-transplantable organs like me (I have a blood disease and kidney disease that means I will one day NEED a transplant, but can not give to others):

You can "donate" your whole body for research.  Not as bad as it sounds.  When I did, the University of Washington Medical Center (unless I am back in the UK by then) will have "use" of my body for 1 week to study my kidneys and everything else in the hopes of finding something that may lead to a cure.  Afterwards, I will be stitched back up and given a "normal" burial (they will keep my kidneys for further study).  I will look no different that someone who just had a plain old autopsy done.

Just something to think about.

And, people like my Mom (who was just placed on the kidney transplant list) and me (who will be on the list one day) thank all of you who are on the donation list.  Your gift means a better quality of life for so many people!

Dh  was  a big donor  fan  until he found out you had  to OK them  to use  anesthesia..  hhmm..
excuse me?  if you're dead.. why would you have  to OK that??  he tore up his  card..

Sorry if I've misunderstood your comment. But if you're worried that the NHS are intent on taking your organs before you're actually dead, then no, they wait until you're dead. Totally. Bucket 100% kicked. Unless you're volunteering a kidney

I signed up online three years ago. Wasnt sure if I was supposed to received something in the mail or what.

There's no confirmation letter or donor card that got lost in the post. The electronic system replaces the card.

...how do they know if you're signed up? does it come up in the nhs system when your details are entered?

I understand that yes, they check your details on the register - so if you're a suitable donor but not on the register, they won't take your organs. It's wise to both register and tell your partner & family that you have decided to be a donor. This also serves as an excellent dinner party ice-breaker

Ah yes.  I was going to come back and add that most important bit.  Not only are both my husband and I registered as donors - but we both are very much aware that it is the other's wish.  So no hemming and hawing at the hospital - it's a done deal.

Of course, we're planning on shuffling off this mortal coil together.  So both the kids and our parents/siblings know our intention.  And how important it is to honour it.