How do you sign your child up to be an organ donor?

Donor transplants can save the lives of other people, but this can only happen if donors and their families consent to donate their organ tissue.

However the case of five-month-old Imogen Bolton - Britain's youngest double lung transplant patient - raises the question of how children can become organ or tissue donors?

  • How do you sign your child up?

There are currently 6,500 people in the UK waiting for a transplant - including 150 children.

NHS Blood and Transplant say they will only use organ and tissue from a donor with their consent - or their family's consent - after they die.

This means a parent can sign their child on to the NHS Organ Donor Register regardless of the child's age - even at the time of birth.

Young children who want to sign the register should tell their parents or someone with parental responsibility, as they will be asked for consent when the child dies.

  • Does the law differ in Scotland?

Children in Scotland can self-authorise from the age of 12. Parents will always be asked to support their child's decision and give consent.

For more information, Organ Donation Scotland have provided a useful guide.

  • My child has a medical condition - does that make a difference?

If your child has a medical condition, this does not always prevent them from becoming an organ or tissue donor.

A clinical team will decide whether some or all of the organs or tissue will be suitable for transplant, in consultation with the parents.

  • What can your child donate?

The donor list is the same as adults and includes: Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, small bowel, corneas and tissue.

However for children, the size of the donor and their organs take on more significance.

John Forsythe, NHS Blood and Transplant Associate Medical Director for Organ Donation and Transplantation said: "Patients need well matched organs and while many children could receive an organ from an adult, for some organs, such as hearts and lungs, the size of the donor and organs is very important."

  • What about my religion?

All major religions support the idea of organ donation and transplantation. For more information, click here or call 0300 123 23 23.