Information » Health » Health Services » Donations
Donor cards
- Donor cards are widely available from doctor’s surgeries, chemists and other health facilities
- By signing and carrying a donor card, others will know that you want to donate some or all of your organs in the event of your death
- Organs that can be donated include heart, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, small bowel and liver. Tissues, like corneas, skin, bone and heart valves can also be donated
- Each year, over 400 people die waiting for a transplant due to a shortage in organ donations
- More than 6,000 people in the UK are struggling to cope with a severe illness waiting for a transplant to arrive in time
- Make your wishes clear on your donor card or register with the NHS online (see link below)
- It is still important to let other people know about your wishes even if you carry your card at all times
- You can become a donor at any age
Giving blood
- You can donate blood up to three times a year from the age of 17
- Donated blood can help save the lives of others, including your own family
- It only takes 10 minutes and doesn’t hurt
- You may feel a little dizzy or tired but the effects don’t last long
- The blood you donate is replaced by your own body within days
- For details of where to donate, please visit the Welsh Blood Service website below
Other donations
- Eggs and sperm can also be donated to help infertile couples to have children
- Bone marrow can also be donated to help people with conditions like leukemia
