Learn more about the the donation process from consenting and registration, to the process after passing.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
- Your next of kin
- Executor of your estate
- Your physician.
- Anyone else potentially involved in the donation process.
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
Executor Consent Form (to register on another’s behalf)
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.
1a. YOU are
the donor
If you are completing a
consent for yourself, complete the
CONSENT FORM (for self-registration)
Please read 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.
Do not complete both forms
next steps?
The Process:
AFTER PASSING
After I pass, what are the steps
for my family?
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.
Contact Tel: 604-822-2578
Fax: 604-827-4209
Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine
2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T1Z3
Website cps.med.ubc.ca
body.program@ubc.ca