How to discuss your decision
A few words can make an extraordinary difference. Get some tips on how to start a conversation about organ donation here.
If you die in circumstances that mean organ donation may be a possibility, the doctors and nurses caring for you will discuss donation with your family as part of the end of life care discussion.
The medical team will look at the NHS Organ Donor Register to see if you recorded a donation decision before discussing it with your family.
"I was relieved when they told me that Leslie was actually on the Organ Donation Register."
"It was just then up to me whether or not we should go ahead with the whole process, which I knew Leslie had wanted, and it's what I wanted, so it was a much more straightforward process then."
Andrew, who had the conversation with his wife Leslie
Letting your loved ones know your organ donation decision helps them to make that decision at a difficult time.
They can also make sure any particular needs you have in line with your faith or beliefs are taken into consideration.
Fewer than half of families agree to donation going ahead if they are unaware of their loved one’s decision to be a donor. This rises to over 9 out of 10 when the decision to be an organ donor is known.