Republic of Ireland

Timeline: Within 24 hrs

The death of a loved one, or lending help to those grieving can be overwhelming. The difficulty of juggling such responsibilities feels daunting. However one of the greatest dignities you can bestow upon someone is to honour their lasting wishes.

Death can come with loss, yet provide.

Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024; Bill signed into law by the President 28 Feb 2024

Up until 2024, those seeking to become organ donors consented with registration into The Irish Donor Network or The Irish Kidney Association. With the new law, organ donation has created avenues for those wishing to give. If the deceased is already registered, such as carrying a donor card/marked on their driver’s license, the standing medical authority can carry out donation procedures. To ease concerns, the law requires two doctors, working independently, to certify the death through scrutinous tests.

However in case no records were found for organ donation, the next-of-kin will be approached with the decision. Consent must be given to move forward with donation. The medical authority is in the position to respect any refusals.

If you are thinking of donating, let your next-of-kin know, so that your wishes will be respected.

As stated in section 8 part 2 of Human Tissue Act 2024:

“Any storage, handling, transportation, disposal or return of an organ, tissue, body,
body parts or anatomical specimen undertaken in relation to a deceased person shall
have due regard to the dignity, bodily integrity and privacy of the deceased person.”

Handling of your loved one will be done with the utmost care, to perverse their appearance. There is no need to worry, that any outward changes in appearance will occur. The goal is to allow all individuals to present a dignified rest.

Lastly, organ donation does not delay funeral arrangements and impact the timeline to inter.

 

Northern Ireland

Timeline: Within 24 hrs

 

The death of a loved one, or lending help to those grieving can be overwhelming. The difficulty of juggling such responsibilities feels daunting. However one of the greatest dignities you can bestow upon someone is to honour their lasting wishes.

Death can come with loss, yet provide life.

Dáithí’s Law; enacted 1 June 2023

Honours a seven year old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann who was on a multi-year waiting-list for heart transplant.

Up until 2023, those seeking to become organ donors consented with registration to the NHS Organ Donor Register. With the passing law, a stronger opt-in system allows those to reaffirm their choices alongside determining which organs they wish to donate. Individuals can also opt-out by registering with the same entity. If the deceased is already registered, the centralized NHS will have your record,and the standing medical authority can carry out donation procedures.

Doctors within the NHS have a sworn duty to preserve and save life above all else. There are strict criteria for the diagnosis of death.

However, in cases where no opt-out records were found for organ donation, the next-of-kin will be approached with the decision. Consent must be given to move forward with donation. The medical authority is in the position to respect any refusals.

If you are thinking of donating, talk with your loved ones.

A specialist team will be on hand to assist. In accordance with the law the deceased will be shown the utmost care and respect during the donation procedure. Your loved one’s appearance will be as intact as bodily possible, no undue disfigurement will be made once returned. Specialist nurses will be on call to abate any concerns, as well as provide considerations for the deceased faith, belief, or culture.

Lastly, organ donation does not delay funeral arrangements and impact the timeline to inter.