Learn more about the the donation process from consenting and registration, to the process after passing.
The Process:
Consenting
I’ve made my decision. What are my
next steps?
Filling in Consent Forms
To give your consent, please complete TWO copies of the following consent form, according to your situation below:
1a. YOU are the donor
If you are completing a consent for yourself, complete the
and check the sections on all 3 pages. After signing both copies of the consent form, return one copy to UBC and deposit the other form with a close family member or your physician, who will be in a position to carry out your wishes at the appropriate time.
OR
1b. SOMEONE ELSE is the donor
An executor or next of kin may complete and sign an executor form after the death of a potential donor, or on behalf of an individual who is unable to give consent.
If you are completing a consent for someone else, complete the
Please read and check the sections on all 3 pages. After signing both copies of the consent form, return one copy to UBC and keep one copy with you.
Do not complete both forms
Who Should be Notified?
It is recommended that you notify and discuss this decision with:
- Your next of kin
- Executor of your estate
- Your physician.
- Anyone else potentially involved in the donation process.
Talking to Your Loved Ones
We understand conversations surrounding death and body donation can be challenging, but they shouldn’t be. Explaining your decision and why their support is important to you, and going through your concerns together, are important parts of the process.It is also important that you and your family make alternate arrangements in the event that your donation cannot be accepted.
When talking to your family, hearing testimonies from others involved with the program may be helpful. You can find complete testimonies here. Please contact us if you need any support or have any concerns.
FAQs
What is an indefinite donation?
Our donors have the option upon registration to consent to an indefinite donation: this allows the University to retain some of the anatomical material longer than the typical six month to three year period. This provides a significant contribution for the education of our students.
Can I revoke my consent?
Yes. You may contact the office at any time to rescind your consent for donation. Also, the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences cannot accept donations if the family or executor of the donor contests the donation. You should discuss your decision with your family so that they are comfortable with your choice to donate your body.
Can my family revoke my consent after I pass?
Once the donation has been accepted, it cannot be revoked by the family. However, we will make every effort to accommodate a family’s request to arrange for cremation of a donor earlier than planned, if at all possible
The Process:
After Passing
After I pass, what are the steps for my family?
Contacting UBC
As soon as possible after death has occurred, the executor, next of kin or health care professional must contact the UBC Body Donation Program at 604-822-2578.
Prolonged delay in notification can result in the decline of the donation. Please note that as a condition of acceptance to the program, we must receive the body within 72 hours of death.
If death occurs outside regular business hours (8am-4pm, Mon-Fri), please leave us a detailed message, then contact Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services at 604-857-5779.
Determining if a Body is Appropriate for Donation
After being notified of a death, our team undertakes the important step of determining the donor’s suitability by speaking with the donor’s physician. The decision of whether to accept the donation is made as soon as possible and the family or executor are notified.
Once a donor arrives at our facility, our team immediately begins preparing the body for future use – whether for anatomical study, surgical training, or medical research.
Transportation and Arrangements
Once accepted, we will make all of the necessary arrangements and cover all costs for transport to UBC by our approved and licensed transport provider. If the body is not accepted into the donation program, it will be the responsibility of the executor or next of kin to proceed with your alternate arrangements.
If Death Occurs Outside of British Columbia
A medical school in the region where death occurs may be contacted to make arrangements for donation to another program. If you move away from British Columbia, we recommend that you make arrangements with a donor program in your place of residence.
FAQs
Funeral Services
If a funeral service is desired it is strongly recommended that it take place in the form of a memorial service without the presence of the body. It is suggested that arrangements be made for this type of service prior to death.
How to get a Death Certificate
Death Certificates will be issued for all accepted donors by our contracted funeral home, Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services.
Download a copy of this flow chart here
Contact Us
Contact Tel: 604-822-2578
Fax: 604-827-4209
Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
Website cps.med.ubc.ca
body.program@ubc.ca