How to donate a body
If you wish to donate your body for medical education training or research, you should make your wishes known in writing (and witnessed) before you die, and inform your next of kin.
To make your wishes known you need to complete a consent form. This form is available from your local medical school
The completed and witnessed form should then be kept with any Will you may have made and a copy lodged with your local medical school.
Your body cannot be accepted for donation unless your agreement has been written down and witnessed and the consent document produced on death. The law lays down that consent has to come from the donor only. Someone with power of attorney cannot make the decision on your behalf.
The minimum age for donation is 17; there is no upper limit.
You should contact the Bequethal Secretary at your local medical school who will give you a bequeathal booklet which explains in detail the arrangements for donating your body.
Contact details for medical schools
If you need any further advice please phone one of the HTA Regulation Assistants: 020 7211 3437 / 020 7211 3442 / 020 7211 3443.
Will a body definitely be accepted by a local medical school?
Whilst all medical schools very much welcome the offer of a donation, they cannot guarantee that they will accept the offer. There are medical criteria to be met and as circumstances may change over time, the medical school cannot make a decision about accepting your body until death has occurred.
On death, your relatives should contact the local medical school. They will be able to provide advice and information about handling the donation. The medical school will ask a number of questions to establish whether there are any medical reasons against donation. The Bequeathal Secretary will be able to answer any questions you may have. If the medical school are not able to accept the donation, they should be able to advise which medical school would do so. You can also contact the HTA for advice.
Read some frequently asked questions about donating a body