Frequently asked questions about bequeathing your body to the School of Anatomy

You should discuss your wishes with your close family or your executor as they will need to inform the Bequest Office of your death. We advise that your next of kin and/or executor should read through this booklet before your death so that they are fully informed of the process. It is also advisable to notify your GP of your wishes, as we will need to discuss your medical conditions and cause of death when you have died.

There is no upper age limit for potential donors.

The School of Anatomy does not undertake research into specific disorders and cannot accept donations to research into a specific medical condition or disorder.
If you wish to leave your body or body tissues for research into your specific medical condition, you could discuss this with your specialist medical team (consultant or specialist nurse) or a research organisation.

Yes, you can be registered with both services, however, we are unable to accept a body donation if a person donates their organs (other than corneas) at the time of their death.

We can usually accept if a person also donated their brain to a separate service.

Please see LINK for this information.

We do not make a profit from the use of any body donors. We do however charge for the use of facilities and recovery costs associated with body donation.

Only the individual themselves can choose to donate their body. Consent cannot be given by someone else.

Consent must be given voluntarily, by a person who is appropriately informed and has the capacity to agree to the decision. Please contact the Bequest Office if you require
further information to make an informed decision.

We are unable to accept a donor under the age of 18. However, if you are under 18 and wish to sign our consent forms to donate your body in the future, additional supporting documents will need to be provided by a Doctor or healthcare professional. Please contact the Bequest Office on 0117 928 7415 for further information.

Please contact the Bequest Office and they can give further guidance.

A witness can be any person who knows you and can verify your signature. For example, your next of kin, executor, family member, friend, GP or solicitor.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Simply notify the Bequest Office, at the University of Bristol, in writing, and your details will be removed from our system and your consent form destroyed.

Although it may be possible to accept a person’s body donation through a will, the wording can cause problems in understanding your wishes and may make acceptance difficult. We advise that you also sign a consent form and return a copy to the Bequest Office to make your wishes clear.