CHRYSTINE LERPINIERE and MARGARET VERBLE explain why improvements in nurse communication skills, and in referral and approach systems, can increase the number of successful tissue donations

There is little doubt among healthcare professionals and ministers that the organ donation rate in the UK should be higher than it is (Barber et al 2006). Less publicised though is the need for an increase in the number of people who are willing to donate tissues such as corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, tendons and ligaments (Loo et al 2008).