Funeral arrangements

Burial traditions in Northern Ireland are often different than in other parts of the UK.  The organ donation operation is performed as soon as possible after death by highly skilled professionals who take the same care and attention, and offer the same respect as they would in any operation.

To allow the process to be organised and donation to take place, it can cause a short delay to funeral arrangements, up to 24 hours.

After this however, funeral arrangements can be made as normal, including the option to have an open coffin.

Your body will always be returned to your family after donation in the same way as any death in a hospital where donation has not taken place.

Families are given the opportunity to spend time with their loved one after the operation if they wish.