Tissue donation - NHS Blood and Transplant

Tissue donation is slightly different to organ donation. As many as 50 people can be helped by the donation from one person. Donated tissue, such as skin, bones, tendons and heart valves can save or dramatically improve the lives of many people suffering from illness, injury and burns.  

Tissue donation does not need to take place immediately after death: it can take place 24-48 hours after you die and donation can take place after death in hospital, in hospices, or in funeral homes.  

Donated corneal tissue can give the gift of sight to someone. 

The eye is never transplanted whole: the cornea is transplanted which is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye that helps the eye to focus light. 

Cornea donation does not affect how a donor looks: after donation, our specialist team will ensure the donor maintains a natural appearance.  

Cancer doesn't stop you donating your corneas: people with most types of cancer can still donate their corneas. The corneas do not contain blood vessels, eliminating the risk of transmitting most types of cancer. 

The corneal service at St Thomas’ performs approximately 60 corneal transplantations a year. At present approximately 70 patients are awaiting transplantation with the longest wait being over 18 months.