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 each 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

How do I donate my body to medical science?
What will be done with my body?
Will the University be able to use my body to study the disease I have?
Can I be a transplant organ donor as well as donate my body to the Department of Anatomy?
What should I do to inform my health care professional and next of kin concerning my wishes?
Can my family donate my body on my behalf?
What will happen after my death?
Will my body ever be buried and if so, will there be any cost for my family or executor?
What if my family wants a religious or memorial ceremony after death?
Are there any circumstances which might prevent the University from accepting my donation?
If my body is not suitable for donation what will happen?
What if I change my mind about donating my body?

Can I be a transplant organ donor as well as donate my body to the Department of Anatomy?

Generally this is possible, though there may be exceptions in some cases.

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
Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Creutzfeld Jabob Disease (CJD) and other certain communicable conditions.
If death occurred more than 3 days before notification to the University
If your body has been significantly altered by certain medical conditions
Limited storage with the University facility
When there is too great a distance for body transportation

If my body is not suitable for donation, what will happen?

If your body id not suitable for donation, the next-of-kin will be notified immediately so they can make alternative funeral arrangements. The University of NSW 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.

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Contacts

Marie Kwok

T (02) 9385 2480
F (02) 9385 8016
E

Peter McConaghie

T (02) 9385 3469
F (02) 9385 1442
E

Forms (PDF Format)
Donor consent form
Donor information statement
Revocation of consent form