Request a body donation booklet and consent forms.
Access our information booklet in an accessible PDF format.
Please be assured that for all purposes we keep the bodies securely and treat them with respect and dignity throughout the time that they are in our care.
Our work is regulated and licensed by the Human Tissue Authority who ensure that human tissue and organs are used safely and ethically, and with proper consent.
Information we hold is stored on a secure database on the University’s servers and is not to be shared with any other organisation unless we are required to do so by law. This data is kept in accordance with the directives of the GDPR and the University Data Protection Policy. More about how the University of Liverpool collects, uses, retains and discloses personal information can be found in our Privacy Notice.
Frequently asked questions
How will my donated body be used?
Your body may be used in the following ways:
- Teaching anatomy (known as anatomical examination) - Your body may be used to help students and healthcare professionals learn about how the human body is structured and how it works
- Medical research - Your body may be used to contribute to scientific studies that improve our understanding of the human body.
- Training healthcare professionals - Your body may be used to help medical teams develop and practise surgical skills.
Which areas does the University of Liverpool cover for body donation?
We cover these postcodes: BB, CH, FY, IM, L, LA, PR, WA and WN.
We may accept donations from outside these areas if your estate pays for transport (approximately 75 pence per mile).
Isle of Man residents: You'll need to arrange transport with a local funeral director. Contact our Bequeathal Office on 0151 794 5442 to discuss this.
What do I need to do if I move house?
If you stay in our local area, it's helpful if you tell us your new address, but not essential.
If you move to another area, your forms with us remain valid, but you may want to contact the medical school in your new area. This can make things easier for your family when the time comes.
To find your nearest medical school: Use the postcode search at www.hta.gov.uk/medical-schools or call the Human Tissue Authority on 020 7269 1900.
Can I be on both the organ donor register and the body donor register?
Yes, you can be registered for both organ and body donation. This gives you the best chance of helping others after your death.
However, if organs (except corneas) are donated for transplantation, we cannot accept the body for anatomical examination. If organ donation does not go ahead, your next of kin can proceed with the body donation.
You can donate your corneas and still donate your body.
For organ donation: Contact NHS Blood and Transplant Tel: 0300 123 2323 Website: www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
For cornea donation: Contact NHS Blood and Transplant: 0300 123 2323 or Royal Liverpool University Hospital: 0151 709 0141.
If I donate my body, will there be a funeral or memorial service?
When the teaching or research programme is finished, we will arrange and pay for a cremation unless your family wants to arrange a private funeral.
The cremation we arrange includes:
- A simple coffin
- Transport to the crematorium
- A short service led by a Celebrant
- All cremation costs.
We will ask your family if they would like to receive the ashes or have them scattered in the garden of remembrance.
Most cremations take place within three years, though some may happen sooner - sometimes within six months.
Every two years, we hold a Thanksgiving Service in Liverpool. This special event brings together families, staff and students to remember and thank our donors.
Are there any costs or payments involved?
If we accept your donation, the University will cover the cost of transport to the University and the final cremation. This means your family will not have the usual funeral expenses.
If we cannot accept your donation, your estate or family will need to arrange and pay for a normal funeral. They will also need to pay any funeral director costs already incurred while waiting for our decision.
Please note: There is no payment made for body donation.
Do I need to update my body donation form if I signed it before 2004?
Although your original consent form may still be valid under the Human Tissue Act 2004, we recommend updating your form. This ensures all your wishes are clearly documented and helps avoid any delays after your death. You may also want to include your intention to donate in your Will.
Can my body be used to research a specific condition?
We are unable to use donated bodies to research specific diseases, and organs cannot be donated for transplantation through our programme.
If you're interested in supporting research into a specific condition, you can find some helpful information on the healthtalk.org webpages.
Where can I find more information about organ donation?
Read more about organ donation, recent changes in the law, and how to register.
What are the timescales for organ donation and body donation?
Organ donation needs to take place within 24-48 hours of death. (Source: organ donation NHS). Body donation needs to take place within 4 days.
Who to contact:
Bequeathal Office
9am – 4.30pm
0151 794 5442
bodydonation@liverpool.ac.uk
Back to: Human Anatomy Resource Centre