The 'Circle of Life' memorial is our way of saying thank you to donors and their families. The bronze sculpture was designed by Ann Vrielinck and is situated near the Medical School on the QMC site.
It was officially unveiled on 2 November 2011 by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. At the unveiling over 60 donor families attended, as well as local dignitaries and hospital staff.
Deceased donation occurs at a time of significant family distress and it is usually not possible to train junior staff during these periods. Simulation days teach hospital staff the complexities of the organ donation process and the sensitivities involved in discussing deceased organ donation with family members in a safe, yet realistic environment.
Two scenarios are acted out, with the death of a child and subsequent donation and the death of an adult from brain damage. Professional actors interact with staff with the aim of mimicking real life situations that they will face during the difficult time of deceased donation.