The Bequeathal Officer
Cardiff School of Biosciences,
Sir Martin Evans Building,
Cardiff University,
Museum Avenue,
Cardiff,
CF10 3AX,
Wales, UK.
Telephone No: 02920 874370
Fax No: 02920 875077
Thank you for expressing your wish to bequeath your body for anatomical examination after
death. Your generous action is greatly appreciated and each bequest will be directed to the best
advantage of medical education, research and scholarship generally. Anatomical examination is
an essential part of the training of doctors and other persons involved in Health Care studies.
The information pack and consent forms are enclosed. If you would prefer to receive this
information in the medium of Welsh, the Bequeathal Officer will be happy to provide this on
request.
The pack contains information for donors, a guide to the contraindications affecting a donation,
consent forms, instructions for next-of-kin or executors, information on the procedures
undertaken on bodies bequeathed for anatomical examination, and a notice for you to pass on to
your General Practitioner or relevant doctors should you wish to.
It is most important that you understand the information contained in this booklet before signing
the forms. If you need any further information please contact the Bequeathal Office on 02920
874370 (normally open between 09.30 and 16.00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).
It is not standard practice for us to send an acknowledgement so if you are returning the
completed consent form and would like an acknowledgement, please enclose a stamped
and addressed envelope.
May we express the hope that it will be many years before your wishes have to be considered.
Dr Tracey Wilkinson
Designated Individual (Anatomy) (Cardiff)
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Information on the use of human bodies for anatomical investigation
School of Biosciences, Cardiff University
None of the medical advances we enjoy today would have been possible without an accurate
understanding of how the human body appears (anatomy) and its functions. The vast majority of
surgical advances available today have benefited enormously from the study of anatomy.
Likewise, applied anatomy (application of anatomical knowledge to surgical principles) forms the
cornerstone for many health care professions including dentistry, physiotherapy, osteopathy,
optometry, podiatry and radiography.
All bodies that undergo anatomical examination at Cardiff University are obtained from people
donating purely voluntarily and in a selfless and altruistic manner. There are certain rules and
procedures which are strictly followed when a person is willing to donate his/her body for medical
educational purposes. This includes a signed fully informed consent of the donor. At Cardiff
University, all rules and procedures are guided by the provision of the Human Tissue Act (2004)
and overseen by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
Information on care of the body
The body will be appropriately treated and stored at the Cardiff School of Bioscience. The body
will be wrapped in towels moistened with Biocide (which contains an antimicrobial agent) at all
times apart from when being used for dissection or teaching purposes. Unauthorised
photography of the bodies is not allowed. If photography is required for teaching or research
purposes, approval will be obtained from the appropriate authority within the School, and
photographs will only be taken where the identity of the body can be protected. All bodies are
handled and treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times.
Information regarding dissection of the body
The bodies may be used by undergraduate students, postgraduate science and research
students or medical professionals, either for anatomical study or for research purposes.
Dissection by undergraduate students will be performed under strict supervision at all times by
appropriately qualified anatomists who are members of staff at the Cardiff School of Biosciences.
A ‘unique individual number’ (UIN) will be allotted to all bodies used for dissection and in
instances where a body part needs to be moved for teaching purposes, the part will be tagged
with the corresponding UIN. The body and all parts will be kept moist with Biocide at all times.
Any skin or tissue that needs to be removed during dissection will be placed in a bag with the
corresponding UIN and will be returned along with the body for burial or cremation at the
appropriate time. In certain instances, the tissues may be studied under the microscope and the
slides obtained from such investigations may be used for research and teaching purposes. All
research undertaken will have prior approval of the “Designated Individual of HTA”.
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Whether used for teaching or for research purposes, the staff will ensure that the bodies are
treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times. The process of anatomical examination
involves both invasive and non-invasive procedures. Please note we are unable to carry out any
investigations for medical diagnostic purposes.
Information regarding funeral arrangements
At the end of the anatomical investigation (which may take up to 3 years), all bodies will be
cremated or buried according to the wishes of the donor. Certain parts/organs may be retained
by the University for further educational and/or research purposes as explained below. The
University holds a memorial event for all bodies used during the previous year where students,
faculty and staff pay their respect and convey thanks to the donors and their families. The
University will inform relatives and/or friends when this ceremony takes place and they will be
invited to attend.
Reference to the possibility that retained parts may be moved to other licensed premises
The body parts that are retained may be moved within licensed premises of the University,
ensuring appropriate care and precautions are followed at all times. The whole process will be
documented and be under strict supervision. With the approval of Cardiff University and the
HTA, the school may occasionally transfer retained body parts to another medical school, and
stringent procedures will be followed during this transfer.
An explanation that the retrieved organs/tissues may be used for medical research, or
educational purposes
It is usually the case that either the entire body or at least one third of the body (including organs
and body parts), will be cremated or buried at the end of each academic year.
In certain
instances, where informed consent permits, parts of the body may be retained in the department
for a longer period for continuing study and research purposes. The retained parts will be tagged
and appropriately coded to enable them to be traced back to the donor.
THE RETENTION OF BODY PARTS AND ORGANS IS INVALUABLE TO OUR TEACHING
AND RESEARCH PROGRAMMES. We hope that these explanations have provided you with
useful information.
Should you encounter problems or have queries at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact
the University’s Bequeathal Office on 02920 874370. Should you need to see the “Designated
Individual” (Anatomy): Doctor Tracey Wilkinson please ring 02920 874031 so that an
appointment can be made.
June 2013
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Contraindications affecting a donation
No guarantee can be given that a bequest will be accepted. Among other considerations, the
cause of death itself or a post mortem examination could have made the body unsuitable for
anatomical examination, the object of which is the study of the normal structure of the body. If the
donation cannot be accepted, responsibility for burial or cremation rests with the executors or
next of kin.
Although not absolute, the following is a guide to some reasons for not accepting a bequest.
There is no upper age limit for bequeathing a body.
The following is a list of conditions which will result in the donation being turned down:
1.
Post mortem examination
2.
Transmissible disease: for example, Hepatitis, HIV, Septicaemia, Clostridium, MRSA,
Tuberculosis
3.
Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinsons Disease (Vascular dementia is
acceptable)
4.
Jaundice: Of infective origin.
5.
Organs donated for transplantation (cornea donation is acceptable)
6.
Widespread cancer throughout the bones or abdomen
7.
Internal bleeding or severe circulatory problems
The following is a list of conditions that might affect a donation (bequeathal staff will
make a decision following discussions with medical professionals):
1.
MS (Multiple Sclerosis): Depending on the severity of the condition, cases of MS may
or may not be suitable.
2.
Severe bedsores or varicose ulcers: Small sores may be acceptable, but deep sores
are not.
3.
Peripheral vascular disease and peripheral oedema.
4.
Recent operations where the wound has not healed.
5.
Amputation of more than one limb.
6.
Arthritic deformity: Severe deformity of joints and spine.
7.
Obesity/Size: Excessive weight or height.
8.
Cancer: Depending on type/severity
If the body is not suitable for anatomical examination the relatives or executors will be informed
as soon as possible, so that they may make funeral arrangements.
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Information for donors
Prior to death
If you have read and understood the enclosed information and wish to bequeath your body for
anatomical examination, you should sign the enclosed forms in duplicate, in the presence of a
witness. Return one copy of the form in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Please note this
envelope will need a stamp. Keep the remainder of the document, including the second copy of
the consent form, with your will or personal papers. It is advisable to inform your relatives,
executor and doctor of your intention. If an acknowledgement is required, please enclose a
stamped self-addressed envelope. On receipt of your completed form, your details will be added
to our database of potential donors.
After death
Included within these documents is a leaflet providing instructions for executors or next-of-kin.
Bequeathal staff should be notified as soon as possible after the death occurs. If the bequest is
accepted (and it may not be possible to do so), the funeral director employed by the Cardiff
School of Biosciences will be instructed to make arrangements for removal and transport of the
deceased to their premises. The death must be registered with the local Registrar, from whom a
Certificate of Burial or Cremation and a Certificate of Registration of Death should be obtained.
These documents should be handed to the funeral directors.
The deceased should be moved into refrigerated conditions within 12 hours of death, either into a
hospital mortuary or to the funeral directors’ premises. If the death occurs outside office opening
hours (09.30 – 16.00, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays) these arrangements should be
made by the next-of-kin or executors. There is a voice mail system at the office and those who
wish to contact us should leave their name and telephone number as a recorded message so
that we can deal with it promptly when a member of staff becomes available. Alternatively, they
can contact us when the office re-opens, when the offer of the bequest will be considered
immediately.
Costs
The following costs are borne by the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University:
- transport of deceased from funeral directors, within a 50 mile radius, to the University
- coffin
- simple cremation or burial ceremony at a place chosen by the School
- interment in the case of burial
The following costs cannot be covered by the School, and must be borne by the next-of-kin or by
the donor’s estate:
- transport of deceased to the premises of a funeral director* where necessary
- transport if the place of death is more than 50 miles from Cardiff
- purchase of a grave if a headstone is to be placed on the grave (the cost is set by Cardiff
Council: Tel – 02920 623294)
- casket for the ashes (next-of-kin may take possession of the ashes after the cremation)
Private or additional arrangements for disposal of remains must be paid for by the next-of-kin or
the donor’s estate and must be agreed at the time of acceptance.
During major public holidays, the Cardiff School of Biosciences is closed, and as such is not
normally able to accept bodies. During these times, next-of-kin may be advised to make
arrangements for a funeral. We regret that no guarantee of final acceptance of any bequest
can be given prior to death. Some reasons why a donation may not be accepted are provided
on page 4.
Occasionally, we may suggest that another medical school receives the donated body. The
institution that receives the body will be responsible for its examination and preservation until
such time as cremation is required.
A “memorial event” is conducted within the Cardiff School of Biosciences each year and relatives
and friends are invited to attend.
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Instructions to next-of-kin or executors when donor dies
Please read this information carefully and then telephone the Cardiff School of Bioscience’s
Bequeathal Office.
The next-of-kin or executor of the deceased should give notice of the death as soon as possible
to the Bequeathal Office at the Cardiff School of Biosciences (Tel: 02920 874370) between the
hours of 09.30 and 16.00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Outside these hours, a
recorded message should be left leaving a name, contact number and brief message and the
bequeathal staff will then make contact as soon as possible when the office re-opens. If we are
unable to accept donations, a recorded message will inform you of this and advise that funeral
arrangements should be made.
If the death occurs out of normal working hours, weekends or bank holidays, the following
instructions should be carried out:
a) If the body lies in a hospital he/she should be held under refrigerated conditions in the hospital
mortuary until the office re-opens and can deal with the donation. The maximum time for holding
depends on the refrigeration.
b) If the body is at home or at a nursing home at the time of passing, it should be removed by a
local funeral director* within 12 hours and held under refrigerated conditions (between 4 and
8ºC). If the deceased has to be taken to the premises of a funeral director, it is important for the
relatives to understand that the transport and the cost of the funeral director must be borne by
the next of kin or the donor’s estate.
*IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS: The deceased should be wrapped only in
linen cloth and not be in contact with any plastic sheets or body bags.
The Bequeathal Office will contact the Doctor in charge of the deceased and together they will
make a decision on whether or not the donation is acceptable. You will be informed within a
short time about the decision.
Our contracted funeral directors are Messrs James Summers & Son, Ltd. (Tel: 02920 484506).
They can offer advice at any time.
If the donation is accepted
1.
Register the death with the Registrar and tell him/her of the wishes of the deceased.
He/she will issue you with a green certificate (Certificate of Burial or Cremation/disposal
certificate) and a death certificate. It is very important that we receive these
documents as soon as possible.
2.
If the body is being held in a hospital mortuary or local funeral directors’ premises,
give the green certificate, death certificate and a copy of any written consent from
the deceased to mortuary/funeral director personnel who will pass them to our
funeral directors. Please note that without this paperwork the funeral directors will not
be able to collect the body and the bequest cannot be accepted.
3.
There are three further forms from the Cardiff School of Biosciences (entitled HTA(A)1,
Form 1 and Form 1A) that will be sent to you in the post after the body has been
collected. Form HTA(A)1 confirms authorisation for use of the body for anatomical
examination and asks for your instructions for the eventual funeral. Form 1 is an
application for cremation and Form 1A requires instructions for the cremated remains.
Forms 1 and 1A should only be completed if a cremation is required. These forms should
be completed and returned to the Cardiff School of Biosciences as soon as possible.
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Please note that without all these forms, the bequest cannot be accepted by the Cardiff
School of Bisociences. Note also that if the deceased has had to be maintained at a local
funeral directors prior to acceptance, the cost will be borne by the next-of-kin or the estate of the
deceased. The Cardiff School of Biosciences only pays from the time its funeral directors take
charge of the deceased. Most costs are then paid by the School. However, the Bequeathal
Officer will discuss these issues with you and, in line with the information given to the donor
when alive, special arrangements must be agreed at the time of acceptance.
If a donation is not accepted
Proceed with normal arrangements for burial or cremation. It is regretted that the Cardiff School
of Biosciences at Cardiff University cannot make any financial contribution to these private
arrangements.

Should you encounter problems or have queries at any stage, please do not hesitate
to contact the Bequeathal Office on 02920 874370.
Updated June 2013
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An important notice for General Practitioners whose patients wish to bequeath their body
to medical teaching after death
In the event of a potential body donor passing away, the most important factor with
regards to acceptance of the bequest is that bequeathal staff at Cardiff University speak
to the doctor who will be signing the death certificate. It is at this stage that we can say if
we can or cannot proceed with the bequest.
It can be very difficult to track down doctors who have busy schedules, so it is important that the
doctor telephones our office during our normal office opening hours of 9.30 am – 4.00pm,
Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, as soon as possible following the death. It is
advisable that the doctor who will be signing the death certificate contacts us with full medical
notes to hand. At weekends, very often the doctor who pronounces death will not be the doctor
who is signing the death certificate. He/she will not be familiar with the deceased and may not
have access to the medical records; this doctor will not be able to answer our questions.
Although we will always try our best to not keep the relatives waiting pending a decision, we
hope there is an understanding of the need to talk to the doctor before accepting a bequest.
Sometimes explaining the situation to medical staff on a ward can mean that there is someone to
run through the medical history. In such circumstances we can make a reasonable interim
decision but will still need to speak to the appropriate doctor. Please note that the bequest office
does not become involved until the individual has passed away.
Help from general practitioners and hospital doctors to speed up the bequeathal process makes
a significant difference, not just to our processes, but also to the wellbeing of relatives at this
difficult time. Thanks to all involved for your kind consideration.
Swaran Yarnell (Bequeathal Officer):
Lisa Mead (Bequeathal Assistant):
Please address all communications to:
The Bequeathal Officer
Cardiff School of Biosciences
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
CF10 3AX
Tel: 02920 874370 (Bequeathal Office)
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Notes for completing consent forms
Please read this section carefully as it explains what you may give consent for.
There is no limit on the length of time a donated body can be used by the receiving institution.
However if you wish to restrict the time that your body is used, you have an opportunity to do so
on the consent form (options 2 and 2a).
It may be useful for the receiving institution to prepare images of parts of your body for teaching,
training or research purposes. You are assured that, if consent is given to prepare images, you
will not be identifiable in these images.
Please ensure the form is signed and dated in the presence of your witness otherwise it will
not provide valid consent for acceptance of your body for Anatomical Examination, Education,
Training and Research and the donation will be refused.
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The Bequeathal Officer,
Cardiff School of Biosciences
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
CONSENT FORM
Human Tissue Act 2004
Ref: ____________
Part A: to be comp le ted b y pe rson mak ing donation
Please comple te in BLOCK CAP IT ALS
Title_____________ Surname/family name_____________________________________________
Forename(s) _____________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________
Postcode _______________________
Tel no_________________________________________
Date of birth ______________ Religion/Faith group (if applicable) ___________________________
I WISH TO DONATE MY BODY AFTER MY DEATH. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT MAY BE USED
FOR ANATOMICAL EXAMINATION, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH.
Please tick ONE of option 1, 2a or 2b as appropriate and then proceed to Option 3.
1.
I do not place any restrictions on the length of time that my body or body parts may be
retained. This option gives maximum benefit to the University.
2a.
My body may be retained for a maximum of 3 years only. Parts of my body may be
retained for longer than 3 years.
2b.
My body can be retained for a maximum of 3 years only. No parts of my body may be
retained following disposal of my body.
Option 3 should be answered in all cases. Please select either a. or b.
3.
I consent to the use of unidentifiable images of my body or body parts for education,
training and research.
a. Yes
OR
b. No
Signature_________________________Date______________________
Part B:
Witness dec lara tion (signature of next of kin, executor, GP, friend, etc.)
I confirm that I have witnessed ______________________________________ (insert name of donor)
completing PART A of this form.
Surname/family name _____________________ Forename(s) _____________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
Postcode____________________Relationship to donor __________________________________
Signature_________________________________Date_______________________________
Complete both forms. Return one to the issuing institution and keep the other with your Will or
legal papers.
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The Bequeathal Officer
Cardiff School of Biosciences
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
CONSENT FORM
Human Tissue Act 2004
Ref: ____________
Part A: to be comp le ted b y pe rson mak ing donation
Please comple te in BLOCK CAP IT ALS
Title_____________ Surname/family name_____________________________________________
Forename(s) _____________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________
Postcode _______________________
Tel no_________________________________________
Date of birth ______________ Religion/Faith group (if applicable) ___________________________
I WISH TO DONATE MY BODY AFTER MY DEATH. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT MAY BE USED
FOR ANATOMICAL EXAMINATION, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH.
Please tick ONE of option 1, 2a or 2b as appropriate and then proceed to Option 3.
1.
I do not place any restrictions on the length of time that my body or body parts may be
retained. This option gives maximum benefit to the University
2a.
My body may be retained for a maximum of 3 years only. Parts of my body may be
retained for longer than 3 years.
2b.
My body can be retained for a maximum of 3 years only. No parts of my body may be
retained following disposal of my body.
Option 3 should be answered in all cases. Please select either a. or b.
3.
I consent to the use of unidentifiable images of my body or body parts for education,
training and research.
a. Yes
OR
b. No
Signature_________________________Date______________________
Part B:
Witness dec lara tion (signature of next of kin, executor, GP, friend, etc.)
I confirm that I have witnessed ______________________________________ (insert name of donor)
completing PART A of this form.
Surname/family name _____________________ Forename(s) _____________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
Postcode____________________Relationship to donor __________________________________
Signature_________________________________Date_______________________________
Complete both forms. Return one to the issuing institution and keep the other with your Will or
legal papers.
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