Donated tissue such as skin, bone and heart valves can dramatically help to improve the quality of life for people who need them, as well as save lives.

Bone can be donated during life (as part of a hip replacement), but most tissue is donated after death by people who have decided that they would like to help other people by registering on the NHS Organ Donor Register and have discussed their wishes with their family.

What is donated tissue used for?
Bone, tendons and cartilage are used for reconstruction after an injury or during joint replacement surgery. A bone transplant given to patients suffering from bone cancer can prevent limb amputation.

Cornea transplants help people suffering from severe eye disease or injury. One cornea donor can help two people see again.

Heart valves are used to help children born with heart defects and adults with diseased or damaged valves.

Skin grafts are used as dressings to treat people with severe burns.

How does tissue donation work?
People who register on the NHS Organ Donor Register could become donors if their tissue is a good match for someone.

Most tissue needs to be donated within 24 hours of death. So more people can be considered for tissue donation and unlike organ donation, they don’t have to have died in hospital. Most tissue can be processed to make it safe for transplant, and placed into storage until it is required at a later date.

Want to know more?

Check out our frequently asked questions about tissue donation.

Real stories
Read about Chris who has benefited from a tissue donation.