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Rise in bodies for medic training Rise in bodies for medic training
(30 minutes later)
More people are signing up to leave their bodies to medical science, say government regulators.More people are signing up to leave their bodies to medical science, say government regulators.
Recent media coverage of a shortage of donors has prompted a rise in enquiries to medical schools, early figures from the Human Tissue Authority indicate.Recent media coverage of a shortage of donors has prompted a rise in enquiries to medical schools, early figures from the Human Tissue Authority indicate.
The figures also suggest increased public confidence in the system, the HTA annual report concludes.The figures also suggest increased public confidence in the system, the HTA annual report concludes.
In recent years the number of medical students has risen steeply but donor bodies for training has remained low.In recent years the number of medical students has risen steeply but donor bodies for training has remained low.
It is essential that people continue to donate their bodies to medical science Dr Ceri DaviesIt is essential that people continue to donate their bodies to medical science Dr Ceri Davies
By law, medical schools may only accept bodies from individuals who have made a specific request for their bodies to be bequeathed for medical study.By law, medical schools may only accept bodies from individuals who have made a specific request for their bodies to be bequeathed for medical study.
And the Human Tissue Act now requires a witness be present.And the Human Tissue Act now requires a witness be present.
Medical schools across the UK reported an increase in enquiries after media coverage of a national shortage of bodies for medical training in March.Medical schools across the UK reported an increase in enquiries after media coverage of a national shortage of bodies for medical training in March.
At Keele University the number of enquiries and bequests almost doubled in March and April compared with the previous two months.At Keele University the number of enquiries and bequests almost doubled in March and April compared with the previous two months.
Similar figures were reported by Manchester, Leicester and Newcastle University Medical Schools.Similar figures were reported by Manchester, Leicester and Newcastle University Medical Schools.
In Liverpool, the number of requests jumped from eight in the week before the media coverage to 41 in the week after.In Liverpool, the number of requests jumped from eight in the week before the media coverage to 41 in the week after.
ShortageShortage
The Royal College of Surgeons estimates around 1,000 bodies are needed every year for medical training.The Royal College of Surgeons estimates around 1,000 bodies are needed every year for medical training.
But they reported a 30% shortfall in the 06/07 academic year.But they reported a 30% shortfall in the 06/07 academic year.
Last year the Chief Medical Officer wrote to doctors asking them to encourage patients to leave their bodies to medical research.Last year the Chief Medical Officer wrote to doctors asking them to encourage patients to leave their bodies to medical research.
HTA chair, Shirley Harrison, said awareness was vital for the system of whole body donation.HTA chair, Shirley Harrison, said awareness was vital for the system of whole body donation.
"We hope that the confidence of the public and professionals is increasing in matters relating to human tissue."We hope that the confidence of the public and professionals is increasing in matters relating to human tissue.
"Under the Human Tissue Act potential donors can be reassured that their wishes are respected, whilst professionals benefit from the clear systems that the HTA has put in place.""Under the Human Tissue Act potential donors can be reassured that their wishes are respected, whilst professionals benefit from the clear systems that the HTA has put in place."
Louise Evans, who coordinates donations at the London Anatomy Office, said: "Donors often want to give something back to society.Louise Evans, who coordinates donations at the London Anatomy Office, said: "Donors often want to give something back to society.
"Now, under the Human Tissue Act, they can give with confidence.""Now, under the Human Tissue Act, they can give with confidence."
She added: "Increased publicity tends to prompt more people to sign up."She added: "Increased publicity tends to prompt more people to sign up."
Dr Ceri Davies, anatomist at St George's University of London, said: "It is essential that people continue to donate their bodies to medical science.Dr Ceri Davies, anatomist at St George's University of London, said: "It is essential that people continue to donate their bodies to medical science.
"Over the past decade, the number of medical students has increased by more than 60%."Over the past decade, the number of medical students has increased by more than 60%.
"Bodies are needed not just by medical students: they are also used to teach associated disciplines like dentistry, physiotherapy, and nursing.""Bodies are needed not just by medical students: they are also used to teach associated disciplines like dentistry, physiotherapy, and nursing."
A spokesperson for the Royal College of Surgeons said: "When we knew the shortage of bodies was beginning to cause serious problems in training for medical students, we decided to allow cameras into the College so that people could really see how bodies are used to teach people who are going to become surgeons.
"I think once people can see how respectfully their bodies are treated it takes the fear out of donation."
Undergraduates receive much less teaching in anatomy than they used to, and several medical schools have abandoned dissection-based teaching altogether.Undergraduates receive much less teaching in anatomy than they used to, and several medical schools have abandoned dissection-based teaching altogether.