Many of us are familiar with Organ Donation these days and you may often hear of people who are 'leaving their body to science' but this week we really got to understand much more about what this means and how we could go about doing so. We are really grateful to the team for hosting our visit, showing us round and answering lots of our questions!
Body Donation is the term used and this is coordinated locally by the Center for Anatomy at the University of Dundee.
If you wish to do this then you must give your consent whilst you are alive and have capacity by completion of the 'Declaration of Bequest' form available from the University of Dundee on 01382 388825.
We asked lots of questions whilst we were there as we were really curious and interested to learn more...
Can you sign up as both an organ donor and a body donor? Yes you can but you can't do both when you die. Priority would usually be given to saving the life of another via organ donation first.
If I have a complex or unusual medical history would you investigate this? No that is not the purpose of body donation. Donated bodies contribute to learning for medical, dental and science students, to education and training and to research.
Are there any pre-existing medical conditions that would mean I wouldn't be accepted? Yes there are a few: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, some forms of extreme Cancer and Sepsis.
If I sign up will you be certain to take me after I die? Not necessarily. None of us know how we are going to die and how this may impact our bodies. The most common reasons for not being able to donate is a low BMI or recent surgery. It is rare for an offer to donate at the time of death to be declined but it is important to have a back up plan just in case.
How many bodies are donated? In Dundee around 100 each year.
What if you don't have space for me in Dundee? There is space for 200 bodies in Dundee, when you sign the consent form there is a section where you can choose to donate only to Dundee or to any of the other centres in Scotland if Dundee is full.
Where are the other centres in Scotland? Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews.
How long do the University keep and use your body once donated? Up to 3 years.
What happens after the 3 years? Cremation is offered and ashes can be returned to loved ones if they wish.
The university holds a funeral service twice a year at the University Chaplaincy to which donor families and friends are invited to attend. Names of the donors are listed in the order of service and read out during the service.
Following our visit I've had lots of reflections on what this would mean for me and my nearest and dearest should I decide to take this decision. There's lots to think about... Imagine being able to better the lives who come afterwards as the medics of the future train and learn and test out new and developing techniques.
One of my key reflections following our visit is really the importance of talking about a decision such as this with our nearest and dearest. It is so important to share our wishes for after our death generally but if you are intending to donate your body to science after you die then conversations with friends and family will be vital as you would rely on them to carry out your wishes.
Without gifts such as this medical education would suffer immeasurably. For more information please log onto their website where you will find contact details if you want to know more.
