About donation

Organ donation is when one person chooses to give an organ or tissue to save or improve the life of someone else. This is often called giving the ‘gift of life’.

Simply, all of us! However, to donate organs after death, a person needs to die in hospital in specific circumstances. This applies to only 1 in every 100 people, highlighting how important every registration and family conversation is.

Transplants are regularly carried out on the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas and small bowel. Also, tissue such as corneas and heart valves can be donated.

Every organ and tissue donation is precious as it saves and transforms lives, not just for the recipient, but also their family and friends. It is referred to as the ‘gift of life’.

In Northern Ireland there are around 134 people on the transplant waiting list, and each year around 10-15 people die while awaiting the ‘gift of life’.

Before making your organ donation decision, you may have some questions or want to learn more.

Some common misconceptions about organ and tissue donation, and the correct information can be found in this section