Donating any organ for transplantation upon the death of a loved one is a tremendous decision for a family at the time of bereavement.
It can seem like an impossible responsibility that everyone can help their families with.
You can register your wishes on the Organ Donor Register (ODR).
Get more informed online and do this through NHS Blood and Transplant. Even when a person has registered as an organ donor prior to their death, no organ would be taken for transplantation without the expressed wish and agreement of the close family.
The ODR lists many of the organs that may be donated to save the lives of others. Anyone registering their wishes can exclude or include organs as they wish. Unfortunately, the option to donate hands/upper limbs cannot currently be selected due to the rare nature of this life-transforming surgery.
The best way to help families and our patients is by discussing your wishes and feelings about organ and limb donation with your families. Families who have had this discussion are able to confidently say that this is what their loved one would have wanted and this simple conversation saves much anguish.