Body Donation Program
Members of the public may donate their body to the Department of Anatomy of the University of New South Wales for the purposes of anatomical study, medical training and some limited medical research. Body donation makes the training of health care professionals possible and benefits the entire community. Donors’ remains are treated with the utmost care and respect and the generosity of our donors is recognised every second year at the Thanksgiving Ceremony. The University accepts bodies in accordance with the provisions of the Anatomy Act (1977) and the Human Tissue Act (1983) for medical teaching and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate my body to the University of New South Wales?
Yes, provided you live in the Sydney metropolitan area and meet certain other conditions detailed in the
donor information statement and
consent form.
I don't live in the Sydney metropolitan area. Can I donate my body if I pay the transport costs?
No. The level of interest in the program requires us to limit the area from which we will accept applications.
I live in the Sydney metropolitan area, but what happens if I am outside the area when I die?
Unfortunately, the University would not be able to accept your donation under these circumstances.
How do I donate my body to medical science?
Please read the donor information statement and consent form carefully. Complete the form and return it to the Department of Anatomy at the School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales. It is also important that you discuss your intentions with your next-of-kin and the executor of your will. You should include some statement in your will to indicate your wishes.
Forms (PDF Format)
Donor consent form
Donor information statement
Revocation of consent form
What will be done with my body?
Most bodies donated to the Department of Anatomy are used to train medical students, postgraduate medical trainees (e.g. surgeons in training) or undergraduates studying human anatomy as part of one of the University’s science degrees.
Will the University be able to use my body to study the disease I have?
Some bodies may be used for research which involves descriptive studies of the normal human body, but it is not possible for the University to use your body to study a particular disease you may have. If you wish your body to be used for research on a particular disease we suggest you contact the relevant patient support group for information on special donor programs.
Can I be a transplant organ donor as well as donate my body to the Department of Anatomy?
It is possible to be both an organ donor and a body donor. However, if your organs are donated, it does make it less likely that your body will also be suitable for the purposes of teaching and research. It is important to understand that there are no guarantees that you will be required by either program, so generally it is best to register for both. Your wish to be an organ donor will always take priority over your wish to donate your body to the University.
What should I do to inform my health care professional and next of kin concerning my wishes?
Any doctor or nurse in attendance or next-of-kin should also know of your intentions so that, in the event of your death, he or she can contact the University as soon as possible. Telephone calls should be made to the Department of Anatomy on 9385 2480 or after hours on 9385 1891.
Can my family donate my body on my behalf?
In the absence of a duly signed and witnessed consent, the University CANNOT accept donations from the next-of-kin.
What will happen after my death?
Immediately on receipt of advice of your death, and subject to circumstances which may prevent the University accepting your donation (
see below), the University will make all necessary arrangements and meet all expenses in connection with the removal and transport of your body.
Will my body ever be cremated and if so, will there be any cost for my family or executor?
When anatomical examination has been completed the University will arrange for remaining body parts to be cremated and will meet the expenses of these arrangements. The University does not undertake to erect a headstone or memorial plaque.
What if my family wants a memorial ceremony after death?
If your next-of-kin so desire, they may arrange, at the expense of your estate, for a private ceremony before your body passes to the Department of Anatomy. Alternatively, a ceremony at the time of cremation would also be possible.
Are there any circumstances which might prevent the University from accepting my donation?
The University welcomes your valued offer of donation, but some circumstances may prevent its acceptance. On such occasions the University would advise your executor, administrator, or next-of-kin of its inability to accept the offer and no financial obligation would then be accepted by the University. Circumstances which will prevent the acceptance of your donation include:
- Obesity and emaciation.
- Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (CJD), dementia of unknown cause, antibiotic resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA and other certain communicable conditions.
- Have resided in the UK between 1980 and 1996 for a total time of six months or more or have received blood transfusions in the UK since January 1980.
- If death occurred more than 3 days before notification to the University.
- If your body has been significantly altered by certain medical conditions including amputation.
- If death occurs outside the Sydney metropolitan area.
- Limited storage within the University's facilities.
If my body is not suitable for donation, what will happen?
If your body is not suitable for donation, the next-of-kin will be notified immediately so they can make alternative funeral arrangements. The University cannot be held liable for any costs incurred through the refusal of a donation.
What if I change my mind about donating my body?
The donor application form includes a revocation of consent form. If you change your mind you need only complete this form and send it to the Department of Anatomy. You should also notify your next-of-kin that you no longer wish to donate your body.