Tissue Donation
Honor your loved one by helping someone else.
The passing of a loved one may mean a new beginning for someone else. From the pain of one family, hope can be born for another.
Please take a moment and consider tissue donation in the event of your loved one passing away.
Why donate tissue?
Many of us believe that when the time comes to help someone else, we’ll step up. Tissue donation provides an opportunity to do just that.
Considering that 85% of people who die can help others through tissue donation, and that one tissue donor can save or improve the lives of 65 or more people, tissue donation can provide a lot of comfort during a devastating time.
Anyone between the ages of 16 and 80 years, who does not have cancer or a serious transmittable disease such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV/AIDS, is a potential tissue donor.
How can tissue donation help others?
Bone – Donated bone can prevent amputation, restore mobility and decrease pain.
Cornea – Donated corneas can replace diseased corneas, restore vision and prevent blindness.
Heart valves – Donated heart valves can save a life by improving heart function.
Skin – Donated skin can save a life. It’s used to help burn victims and can prevent infection, promote healing and reduce scarring.
Does it cost anything?
No, tissue donation does not cost the donor’s medical aid or the family anything. Should the donated tissue be unsuitable for transplantation, it will be cremated at Vitanova’s cost.
Will the family receive any compensation for the donation?
It is important to note that the next of kin will not receive any compensation for agreeing to donate their loved one’s tissue.
Where is the tissue recovery done?
Once you’ve given your written permission, a suitably qualified recovery technician will recover the tissue at the funeral home, forensic pathology facility or mortuary.
Will my loved one be treated with respect?
Yes, the recovery technician will conduct the recovery in a dignified, respectful manner, adhering to international standards and a strict ethical code of conduct. The donor’s body will not be disfigured in any way.
If you think that your loved one would have liked to help someone through tissue donation, here is what to do:
- Contact Vitanova’s donor coordinator without delay, who will provide you with a consent form, further information and any other assistance you require.
- Complete, sign and return the consent form as soon as possible.
- Assist the donor coordinator with any information required regarding the donor’s medical history.
- Inform the funeral home of your decision to donate.
Will donation affect the funeral?
The process has no impact whatsoever on funeral arrangements or timing and an open casket viewing is still possible.
We’ve agreed to tissue donation, what happens next?
After we’ve received your consent form, Vitanova will contact the funeral home to arrange the tissue recovery as soon as possible. We will keep you informed of progress and you are welcome to contact us anytime if you have any questions.
If I don’t want to or can’t consent to tissue donation now, what else can I do?
We understand that this may be a difficult decision and not something you feel moved to do at this point. But you can help in other ways.
Tell friends and family about tissue donation.
All conversations help to create awareness.
Consider registering as an organ and tissue
donor with the Organ Donor Foundation (ODF).
Complete the Quick Registration Form at www.vitanova.org.za and submit it.
A representative from the ODF will contact you telephonically to complete your registration.
