Organ and Tissue Donation - 'Don't Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt'

'Don't Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt' is a national campaign which seeks to encourage people aged 16 and over to record their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and to tell their loved ones too. 

This campaign includes radio, digital advertising and PR and responds to a significant and sustained decline in public understanding of Scotland's opt-out system of organ and tissue donation. Public support for the opt-out system has fallen and understanding of how the system operates is at its lowest recorded level since its introduction. Specialist organ and tissue donation nurses are seeing an increasing number of families who are unaware of Scotland's opt-out system. When loved ones do not know a person's wishes, family support for donation may be less likely, and authorisation rates have declined in recent years.

This year's campaign places renewed emphasis on ensuring audiences not only discuss their wishes with loved ones but also understand the opt-out system and what it means for them. As always, we'd appreciate your support in communicating these messages. Together, we can help more people in Scotland record their organ and tissue donation decision and share it with the people who matter most.

Key Messages 

• Scotland's organ and tissue donation system gives people aged 16 and over the choice to become an organ and tissue donor or to opt-out of donation.
• Although Scotland operates an opt-out system for organ and tissue donation, meaning that you may be considered willing to donate if no decision has been recorded, it is still important to make your wishes known.
• Recording your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, whether you choose to donate or not, remains important. It provides a clear record of your wishes and helps your family understand and respect your choice.
• Families will always be involved in the donation process and may be asked about your latest views to help ensure your wishes are respected. Sharing your decision can help your loved ones know exactly what you would want. Don’t leave them in doubt.
• Organ Donation Week (21–27 September) also coincides with National Eye Health Week (21–27 September 2026) and spotlights the urgent need for people to make a decision about cornea donation. There is currently a shortage of donor corneas, and waiting lists are long.
• Whatever your decision, make sure you record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.scot or call 0300 123 23 23

Stakeholder Toolkits and Resources 

Please note there are two versions of the Toolkit available: the Scottish Mainland Stakeholder Toolkit and the Scottish Islands Stakeholder Toolkit. Please select and use the most appropriate toolkit for your audience.  

• Scottish Mainland and Scottish Islands Stakeholder Toolkits
• 20” and 40” films 
• Explainer video, including BSL version
• Social statics
• Editorial and social post copy 
• Infographics 
• Illustrations

All campaign resources can be found via SG Communications Resource Centre - Organ Donation

How You Can Help 

• Like and follow Healthier Scotland’s X/Twitter and Facebook pages and share posts where relevant 
• Share campaign social statics and digital assets across your social channels 
• Circulate the infographics to your audiences 
• Share the TV advert and explainer video across social media channels and intranets 
• Include the editorial on websites, newsletters, intranets and more 

If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks so much for your continued support.