How can I help?

Donating blood, organs, tissues or bone marrow
Become a volunteer or get involved
Let the NHS know what you think

Donating blood, organs, tissues or bone marrow

Every year, hundreds of lives are saved with the help of donated blood, organs, tissues and bone marrow. You could save or improve the lives of several other people if you become a donor.

If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, you can phone 0845 90 90 999 or visit the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service website or text 'blood' to 61611.
If you want to become an organ or tissue donor after you die you should put your name on the NHS Organ Donor Register. You should also discuss your wishes with the people close to you, and carry a donor card. For more information, phone the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit the NHS Organ Donor website.

You can also decide to donate an organ such as a kidney as a living donor. A living donor is often a relative or someone close to the recipient. The donor must always consider the risks carefully. For more about becoming a living donor, phone the Organ Donor Line on 0845 60 60 400 or visit the NHS Organ Donor website.
To donate bone marrow contact the Anthony Nolan Trust on 0207 284 1234 or visit the Anthony Nolan Trust website.

Become a volunteer or get involved

If you want to become a volunteer, you can find out what opportunities there are in your local area by contacting your local NHS board or your local volunteer centre, or by visiting the Volunteer Centre in Scotland Network website.

Let the NHS know what you think of their service

Help the NHS in Scotland to improve services by giving your views, good as well as bad.
Examples of ways to do this include talking to staff, taking part in surveys or using suggestion boxes.

Page last edited: 02 October 2009

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