Do I need to be young and previously healthy to donate?

No. Nearly half of all organ donors in Britain are over 50 and organs are suitable from people even in their eighties. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a donor. All donors are screened for infections such as HIV or hepatitis

What makes me a good match? Blood group, age and weight are all taken into account to ensure an organ transplant is successful. The colour of your skin does not matter, but patients from the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match

Why is there a shortage of donor organs?

One in four of the population is on the organ donor register but the gap between the number of organs being donated and the number of people waiting for a transplant is increasing. Only a very small number of people die in circumstances where they are able to donate organs

How does that happen?

Organs have to be transplanted very soon after someone has died so at present they can be donated only by those who have died in hospital, usually after a major accident or stroke

What is the current law on consent?

Organ donation will not take place unless you expressed a wish to donate or the person closest to you gives permission after your death. You can indicate your wishes by signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (uktransplant.org.uk), carrying an organ donor card or by telling a relative or close friend

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