Donating Your Body To The Centre For Comparative And .

1Donating your body to the Centre forComparative and Clinical Anatomy,University of BristolInformation for donor and instructions for next ofkin / executorHuman Tissue Act 2004Contents What will my body be used for? Notes for completing the bequest form(UoBANAT1) General information for the next of kin orexecutor after death Instructions for the next of kin or executorwhen the donor diesANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

2Information on donating your bodyThank you for expressing your wish to bequeath yourbody to us after death; your generous action is greatlyappreciated.The Human Tissue Authority (www.hta.gov.uk) regulatesthe use of bodies donated for anatomical examination,education or training relating to human health andresearch in connection with disorders, or the functioningof the human body within the legal framework set out inthe Human Tissue Act 2004.Detailed instructions are enclosed. It is most importantthat you understand the information contained in thisbooklet before signing the consent form. If you needany further information please contact us on thetelephone number or e-mail address provided in thisbooklet.We hope, however, that it will be many years beforeyour wishes need to be considered.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

3What will my body be used for?Your body may be used for one or more of the followingpurposes.1.Anatomical examinationThis includes teaching, studying and researchingthe form, shape and structure of the human body. Itallows us to use your body for teaching anatomy tomedical and dental students, related health careprofessionals and participants on authorisedcourses.2.Education or training related to human healthHealth professionals derive great benefit from theopportunity to develop surgical skills and otherclinical procedures on a body. We run and supportmany courses that develop and further clinical andsurgical skills.Research in connection with disorders, or thefunctioning of the human bodyOur Centre has particular research interests inseveral fields, details of which can be found on ourwebsite at www.bris.ac.uk/depts/anatomy. Shouldyou require more information please ring theBequest Office on 0117 9287415 during officehours. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that yourbody will be used in a particular project.3.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

4Notes for completing the bequest formIf you wish to bequeath your body you should sign theenclosed bequest form UoBANAT1 in the presence of awitness. The forms must be completed in duplicate andboth the potential donor and witness must sign and datethe forms at the same time, otherwise it will not providevalid consent for acceptance of your body for anatomicalexamination, education, training and research. Onecopy of the completed consent form should be returnedto the Bequest Office in the pre-addressed envelopeprovided; the second copy should be retained with yourWill or personal papers. A bequest cannot be acceptedwithout written and witnessed proof of consent. It isimportant to inform your next of kin or executor, and youmay also wish to inform your doctor of your intention todonate.Acknowledgement of receipt of consent formIf you wish to have confirmation that we have receivedyour consent form, please enclose a stampedaddressed envelope with your completed form, whichwe will return to you upon receipt.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

5Under the terms of the Human Tissue Act 2004 there isno limit on the length of time a donated body may beretained by us. However, if you wish to restrict the timethat your body is retained you have an opportunity to doso on the consent form, by selecting one of theseoptions:Option 1There is no restriction on the length of time a donatedbody can be used by us. This gives us the maximumpossible use of your body for the three purposes.Option 2Your body may be retained by us for a maximum ofthree years*. No body parts will be retained.Option 2aYour body may be retained by us for a maximum ofthree years and your body parts may be retained forcontinued study anatomical examination, education,training and research**In certain circumstances your body may be used within a month ofarrival.Withdrawing ConsentConsent can be withdrawn at any time. Simply notifythe Bequest Office, University of Bristol, in writing, andyour details will be removed from our system and yourconsent form destroyed.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

6Images of a Donated BodyIt may be useful for the receiving institution to prepareimages of parts of your body for: Education or training relating to human health Research in connection with disorders, or thefunctioning, of the human bodyThe taking and displaying of images (includingphotographs, films and electronic images) is outside thescope of the Human Tissue Act 2004; however, the HTAendorses the good practice principles set out inguidance issued by relevant professional and regulatorybodies. Donors are assured that they would not beidentifiable in any images that may be taken. For furtherinformation, please refer to the HTA’s Codes of Practice,available at www.hta.gov.uk.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

7General Information for the next of kinor executor after deathThe Bequest Office is closed on Saturdays, Sundaysand Bank Holidays. There is a voicemail system at theoffice and relatives should leave their name andtelephone number as a recorded message so that wecan deal with it promptly. The offer of the bequest willbe considered immediately upon the office re-opening.Unfortunately we are unable to accept bequests duringthe major public holidays at Christmas, New Year andEaster due to the Bequest Office being closed. Duringthese times, next of kin are advised to make their ownfuneral arrangements.At the time of a potential donor’s death the next ofkin or executor should:1. Telephone the Bequest Office as soon as possibleafter death occurs. The death must be registered withthe local Registrar who will issue you with a greencertificate (Certificate of Burial or Cremation) and adeath certificate.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

82. If the death occurs in a hospital the body will be heldin the hospital mortuary and once informed of the deathwe shall liaise with the hospital Bereavement Office.3. If the death occurs at home or in a nursing home,the deceased should be removed to a local Chapel ofRest by an undertaker while we make our enquiriesregarding the suitability of the bequeathal.It isimportant for the relatives to understand that thetransport and cost of the undertaker must be borne bythe next of kin or the donor’s estate.4. The Bequest Office will speak to the doctor issuingthe death certificate and/or GP and a decision onwhether or not the donation is acceptable will be made.5. Once the bequest is accepted all reasonable costsrelating to the transportation of your body to theUniversity of Bristol and the subsequent final cremationwill be borne by the University. However, your next-ofkin or executor will be asked, if possible, to contributetowards the costs involved. Further details can beobtained from the Bequest Office.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

9The University will be responsible for the safe keeping,preservation and examination of the body until such timeas cremation is required. At the time of donation thenext of kin or executor will be asked to complete form‘Instructions for the disposal of a donated body’ wherethey will confirm if they wish to be informed of the time ofcremation, attend the cremation or take possession ofthe ashes.The Bequest Office will arrange thecremation based on the information provided on thisform. We endeavour to use all donor bodies as fully aspossible. Although the options allow us to keep yourbody for a number of years, in certain circumstances,your body may be used within months of arrival and acremation arranged.An interdenominational Service of Thanksgiving of thosewho have donated their bodies is held annually. Detailsmay be obtained from the Bequest Office.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

10Regrettably it is not always possible to accept abequest. While we are anxious that people should leavetheir bodies to us in sufficient numbers, no guaranteecan be given that a bequest will be accepted. We hopeyou will understand that this does not mean anyingratitude on our part. Among other considerations, thecause of death itself or a post mortem examination couldhave made the body unsuitable for anatomicalexamination/research purposes, the object of which isthe study of the normal structure of the body.The age of the donor is immaterial but certain medicalconditions or circumstances may also preclude usaccepting a donation. These include: Transmissible disease (e.g. Hepatitis,HIV) Septicaemia Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease Deterioration in the body tissues (e.g varicoseulcers, pressure sores, limb amputation, severejoint deformity, recent surgery where the wound hasnot healed Cancer – acceptance depends on the spread of thecancer. Chemotherapy within three months prior todeathANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

11 Size: excessive weight or height Organs donated for transplantation, however youcan donate your eyes for corneal transplantationand still donate your body for anatomicalexamination Operational considerations (mortuary at capacity/maintenance of essential equipment)If the donation cannot be accepted the next of kin orexecutor will be informed as soon as possible so theymay make funeral arrangements.No guarantee can be given that a bequest will beaccepted.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

12Instructions for the next of kin orexecutor when the donor diesYou should read the previous information carefully andthen telephone The Bequest Office on 0117 9287415.We will require the following information: Evidence of donor’s consentDoctor’s name and telephone numberLocation of the deceasedContact details for the next of kin/ExecutorThe Bequest Office will contact the deceased’s GPand/or doctor issuing the death certificate to ascertaincause of death and other relevant medical history, andtogether they will make a decision on whether thedonation is acceptable. You will be informed within ashort time about the decision.If the donation is accepted Register the death with the Registrar and tellhim/her of the wishes of the deceased. He/she willissue you with a green certificate (Certificate ofBurial or Cremation).ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2

13 You will be sent Cremation 1 (Application forCremation form) from this Office. This calls for afinal decision on cremation arrangements. Return Cremation 1 (Application of Cremation), thecertificate of disposal issued by the Registrar and acopy of the death certificate to the Bequest Office,Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy,University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS28EJ. Receipt of these documents is a condition ofour acceptance.If we do not receive thesedocuments within 14 days of registration of thedeath we will be required to decline the bequest. At the time of donation the next of kin or executorwill be asked to complete form ‘Instructions for thedisposal of a donated body’ where they will confirmif they wish to be informed of the time of cremation,attend the cremation or take possession of theashes.The Bequest Office will arrange thecremation based on the information provided on thisform. We endeavour to use all donor bodies as fullyas possible. Although the options allow us to keepyour body for a number of years, in certaincircumstances, your body may be used withinmonths of arrival and a cremation arranged.ANAT-SF-002 – V1.2 – UoBANAT2