The Act – an Overview Part 1: Transplantation Etc. Section 13 – Preservation for transplantation
30.Section 13 provides for the maintenance of a dead body in a condition that would allow transplantation of parts of the body to take place. The provision is intended to allow steps to be taken to preserve the function of a body part until it can be established whether there is authorisation for the use of the body part for transplantation. Subsection (1) provides that where part of a deceased person's body may be suitable for transplantation, the managers of the premises may take steps to preserve the part for use for transplantation and may retain the body for that purpose. However, they may not move the part or body to other premises. Subsection (2) provides that the minimum steps necessary should be taken to preserve the body, and the least invasive procedure used. Subsection (3) provides that authority under subsection (1) extends to any person authorised to act under the authority by the managers of the premises in question and makes clear that preservation must be stopped as soon as it becomes clear that no authorisation will be given for transplantation.
31.Subsections (4) and (5) define the premises where such procedures may be carried out. These premises are a health service hospital and premises in which a registered independent health care service is provided.