Organ donation is a medical process where specific organs are removed from the body of a deceased donor and transplanted into someone else in order to save or improve the recipient's life. It is a profoundly generous act on the part of an individual and family, which can transform the lives of people on the transplant waiting list.

In Western Australia, the organs that can be donated are

• Heart
• Liver
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Pancreas

Tissue donation is a medical process where specific tissues are removed from the body of a deceased donor and transplanted into someone else in order to improve the quality of life of the recipient's. It is a profoundly generous act on the part of an individual or family, which can transform the lives of people on the transplant waiting list.

In Western Australia, the tissues that can be donated are:

• Cornea (the clear film on the front of the eye)
• Bones
• Heart Valves

Anyone has the potential to be an organ and tissue donor. You shouldn't assume that you aren't healthy enough or that you are too old. Factors considered when determining suitability include:

• the circumstances of how, where and when a person dies
• any past medical history
• age is considered, but it is more important to assess how the organs are functioning

For more information on organ and tissue donation click here.