Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I donate my body to the Anatomy Department?
Contact us at the department of Anatomy, and we can have a chat with you to discuss the entire procedure. If are happy to go ahead with donation, you can request donation forms, which you then sign in the presence of two witnesses.
One copy should then be returned to us and the other given to some responsible person, such as a relative, doctor, minister of religion or lawyer, who will get in touch with us at the time of death, so that we can take charge after any church service (if held) and ensure that the donor’s wishes are carried out.
Does age, disease, or amputation make the donation unacceptable?
There is no upper age limit for donation, nor does amputation preclude acceptance. Medical conditions that prevent acceptance as a donor include: Hepatitis, HIV, Tuberculosis, and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.
Extensive trauma to the body at the time of death, decomposition, or extreme obesity would also make remains unsuitable for anatomical study.
What about post mortems?
We cannot accept a body which has had a post mortem performed.
Who may serve as a witness to the donation?
We strongly recommend that your next-of-kin or a close family member act as your first witness. Anyone 18 years or older may act as your second witness. Two signatures are required on the donation form.
Will any payment be received for the body?
No payment will be made in connection with the body donation.
If a donation is made, can it be withdrawn?
Yes. If you wish to withdraw from the programme, simply make your wish known to us in writing and we will cancel your file.
Should the donor inform someone of the bequest?
Yes. You should inform your next-of-kin, who is legally responsible for the disposition of your remains. It is important to discuss your plan with those close to you so that your wishes may be clearly understood.
What is the procedure upon the death of the donor?
In the event of death, the next-of-kin, or other responsible person at the hospital or nursing home should contact the:
Department of Anatomy Tel: (021) 4902246/4902238 (during normal office hours) Forde’s Funeral Directors Tel: (021) 4318222 (outside normal office hours).
If a church service is held, the body is taken to the church for the service and subsequently taken to the medical school. If no church service is held, the body is brought directly to the medical school.
When does the burial take place?
The body usually remains with us for a period of about two years. Buirial or cremation then takes place in accordance to the wishes of the donor.
In the UCC Plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
We can arrange for burial in the University plot in St. Mary's Cemetery, Curraghkippane Co. Cork, and for the attendance of a priest or minister of the relevant faith, and relatives may attend if desired.
Private Family Interment
The University will cover the expense of bringing the remains to a cemetery. The opening of the grave and any other expenses involved are borne by the Estate. The next of kin, if desired, can arrange for the attendance of a priest or minister of the relevant faith.
Cremation
The University will cover the expenses of transport of the remains to “The Island Crematorium” in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, and the cremation fee.
