Explanation for next of kin
What can you expect if your loved one wants to donate their organs and/or tissues after death? Read the explanation and watch the animations.
Organ donation: what can you expect?
When you hear that a loved one is going to pass away soon, a lot comes your way. Perhaps the doctor has already explained organ donation. Read everything again at your own pace here or watch the explanation in the video. This way, you know what to expect as a family.
Tissue donation: what can you expect?
Your loved one has just passed away. A lot comes your way; perhaps the doctor has already spoken to you about tissue donation. Read everything again here or watch the video with the explanation.
Guidance during tissue donation
With tissue donation, the doctor who is guiding you at that moment will explain how everything works. This can also be the GP. Do you want to know the results of the donation? Tell your doctor. You will then receive a letter from the NTS after about 1 week stating which tissues were donated, along with the brochure 'After tissue donation'. You will not receive any personal details of the recipient(s). That remains anonymous. This is laid down by law.
Guidance during organ donation
During the entire donation procedure, you will be in contact with the organ donation coordinator (ODC). They will keep you informed about the progress of the procedure. The ODC will contact you in about 6 to 8 weeks and can then tell you which organs were successfully transplanted. They can also tell you the age category and gender of the recipient. You will not receive any personal details of the recipient(s). That remains anonymous. This is laid down by law.
Writing a thank-you letter
It happens that a recipient of a donor organ wants to send a thank-you letter to the donor's next of kin. Conversely, next of kin can also write something to the recipient.
These letters are always anonymous and are checked in advance. The organ donation coordinator who guides you during the procedure will discuss in advance whether you are open to receiving such a letter.
