Can my family have a funeral service?

Yes, but, this must be completed within four days of the death. Arrangements for services or notices in the paper etc. should be made with a Funeral Director of your choice - the University does not help with these arrangements nor bear any of the costs associated with it.

Can I be registered as an organ donor as well as a Body Bequest Program donor?

Yes, a donor can be registered with both programs. However, if the donor is deemed suitable for organ donation then this excludes them from participating in the Body Bequest Program. The Organ Donation program has an upper age limit of 70 years of age.

What if I change my mind?

You may, at any time and for any reason, revise or revoke your wish to contribute to the Body Bequest Program by contacting the Coordinator and advising them of the change.

Can my family donate my body on my behalf? The senior available next of kin can donate the body of a deceased relative provided they sign a consent form in the presence of witnesses, and provided the deceased person gave their consent in writing, prior to his or her death, e.g. in a will. However, it is preferred that a donor form be completed and signed by the donor prior to death. What happens at the end of the process? The donor is respectfully cremated, at the University's expense, and the ashes are returned to the family or Executor. If the donor or the donor's family would prefer a burial this is possible but the University does not help with the arrangements nor bear any of the costs associated with it.

How long will the University retain the body?

Legally the University can retain the body of a donor for up to five years. However, there are options, on the donor form, for the body to be held indefinitely or for a specified time period (not less than three years). The usual time frame for the retention of a donor is three years.

Will my body stay in Tasmania?

Generally a donated body will remain within the state of Tasmania. However there may be occasions where a body is transferred to an interstate institution. If this occurs, at the end of the process the body will be repatriated to the state and the ashes made available to the family.