Importance of Body Donation
Bodies donated for anatomical examination are a vital resource for medical education and play a crucial role in producing practitioners of the highest standing, to work both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Anatomical examination is the study of the structure and function of the human body. The study of anatomy is one of the most fundamental subjects studied by medical students. Bodies donated for anatomical examination are also used in the education and training of a wide range of healthcare professionals including doctors, surgeons, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists. Ultimately, the skills and knowledge gained from the use of donated bodies benefit future patients.
Who can Donate?
Anyone over the age of 17 can donate their body. There is no upper age limit for bequeathing a body, however there is no guarantee that a donation will be accepted. Among other considerations, the cause of death itself could make the body unsuitable for anatomical examination, the object of which is the study of the normal structure of the body. If a donation cannot be accepted, responsibility for burial or cremation rests with the next of kin or executors. The London Anatomy Office is unable to make a contribution towards funeral costs.
Will a donation always be accepted?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept some bodies for anatomical examination. Although not absolute, the following is a guide to reasons for NOT accepting a bequeathal:
- Post-mortem examination
- Some infectious diseases: e.g.: Viral Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis
- Some forms of dementia
- Recent operations: Depending on how soon after surgery the death occurs, how invasive the surgery was and whether the wound has healed. Pressure sores, ulcerations.
- Peripheral oedema: Mild oedema may be acceptable or ascites
- Severe deformity of the spine, where a donor is unable to lie flat on their back.
- Obesity or very low BMI
- When organs, other than corneas, have been donated for transplantation
- Any circulatory obstruction that may impact preservation
- Jaundice or gangrene
If a body is not suitable for anatomical examination, the relatives or executors will be informed as soon as possible so they may make their own arrangements for the funeral.
We regret it is also not possible to accept a body donation during the Christmas or Easter breaks as The London Anatomy Office and associated medical schools are closed and not available to process the bequeathal. The exact dates affected will vary from year to year but will be announced on The London Anatomy Office phone message during the closures. In this circumstance the relatives or executors should make their own arrangements for the funeral.
How long will a Donated Body be retained?
There is no legal limit on how long a donated body can be retained by a medical school. However, potential donors can limit the use of their body to a maximum of three years. It is important that potential donors discuss the time limit with their relatives, particularly if relatives may want to attend the eventual funeral and/or take possession of the ashes. It is also important to be aware that this is a maximum of three years and therefore the body may be released some time before the three year limit, sometimes within 6 months. With consent from the donor, the medical school may retain parts of the body upon conclusion of anatomical examination.
How do I Donate my Body?
For details of the relevant office or medical school your address comes under, please check the catchment area.
If you live in the catchment area covered by the London Anatomy Office you can download the necessary information and forms.
Will my body be treated with respect?
Absolutely. The teaching institutions served by the London Anatomy Office have a very strict code of practice that is strongly adhered to. Also the students are made aware of the generosity of the donors and the benefit to them, and are encouraged to treat the bodies suitably reverentially.
Can anyone donate their body?
There is no upper age limit, however donors have to be deemed to be mature enough to make an informed decision about such a donation hence there is a minimum age limit of 17.
Will you definitely accept my body?
No guarantee can be given that we will accept the offer of a donation. There are medical criteria to be met and, as circumstances can change over a donor's lifetime, we are unable to make a decision until after a death has occurred.
Can I make the decision to donate a body on behalf of someone else?
No. The consent has to have come directly from the potential donor. This consent can take the form of the potential donor having completed an appropriate consent form, either under the Anatomy Acts 1832 or 1984, or the Human Tissue Act 2004. Instructions left in a will are also considered valid consent providing the wording of the will meets the regulations of the Human Tissue Act 2004. Having power of attorney does not qualify you to make a decision to donate a body even if you believe it was what the deceased wanted.
Will you pay me to donate my body?
No. We do not make any payment for such a donation. However, if a body is accepted by us we will arrange, and meet the cost of the eventual cremation unless your next of kin wants to make their own arrangements at their own expense.
Are the bodies cremated in a mass cremation?
No. Each body is cremated individually following a 10 minute committal service conducted by a a lay person, a humanist or a chaplain from one of the medical schools. The chaplain could be of any faith and should a family have a preference, they may wish to make their own arrangements for the funeral when the time comes.
Families and friends are invited to attend the short committal service held at South London Crematorium. If the next of kin/family do not want a funeral carried out, a direct cremation will take place,
Can my family have my ashes?
Yes. Families wishing to take possession of the ashes will need to make arrangements with South London Crematorium staff to collect them. Ashes can be scattered in the garden of remembrance at South London Crematorium.
Do you hold a service to commemorate the donors?
Yes. Every year, on a Friday in May we hold a service of thanksgiving to commemorate all those who donated their body in the previous year. The service in May 2020 will be held at St George's Cathedral and the names of the donors are displayed in the Hall during the service and printed in the order of service.