On this page:
Overview
Choosing to explore a living kidney donation is a generous and meaningful step that can have a profound impact on someone’s life.
The Ottawa Hospital has a well-established living kidney donation program and will guide you every step of the way.
Living donation allows time for thoughtful planning, giving both the donor and the recipient time to prepare physically, emotionally and practically. It often means less time waiting for a kidney and, in some cases, receiving a transplant before dialysis is needed. Kidneys from living donors also tend to last longer, offering recipients the best chance for a healthier future.
Eligibility
Throughout the process our team carefully reviews your current physical and mental health, possible risks to you if you proceed with donation and your longterm health after donation
You may be a suitable living kidney donor if you are:
- 18 years of age or older.
- Willing to donate a kidney voluntarily.
- In good overall physical health.
- Psychologically and emotionally stable.
- Able to understand the process and give informed consent.
- Motivated to unconditionally improve the recipient’s quality of life.
Meeting these criteria does not automatically mean you will be approved to donate, but it allows you to begin the assessment process.
You may be declined as a living kidney donor if you have:
- Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- A body mass that is considered too high for safe donation.
- Inadequate kidney function.
- Abnormal kidney anatomy.
- Other serious or ongoing health conditions.
Being declined is not a failure. It means donation may pose risks to your current or future health.
Process at-a-glance
Living kidney donation is a step-by-step process designed to protect your health while ensuring the best possible outcome for the recipient. The journey is organized into clear phases, each with a specific purpose, from initial testing to surgery and long-term follow-up care.
Not everyone moves through the phases at the same pace, and you may stop at any point if donation is no longer right for you.
Each phase builds on the one before it, allowing our team to gradually and carefully assess your medical, emotional and practical readiness to donate. For details on each phase, visit the Process page.
Phase 1: Getting started
Education, initial tests and early discussions help determine whether living kidney donation may be safe and appropriate for you.
Phase 2: Taking a closer look
Additional medical tests and appointments provide a more detailed review of your health and suitability to donate.
Phase 3: Final assessments
Final assessments confirm whether donation is safe for you and ensure you have the information and support you need to make an informed decision.
Phase 4: Donation day
Kidney donation surgery and in-hospital care take place with close monitoring by the transplant team.
Phase 5: Recovery and follow- up care
Healing after surgery includes follow-up visits and long-term monitoring to support your health after donation.
Living Kidney Donor Team
This team provides care to potential living donors during the evaluation process.
Dr. Ann Bugeja
Physician, Nephrology
Dr. Kevin Burns
Physician, Nephrology
Dr. Edward George Clark
Physician, Nephrology
Dr. John Mahoney
Physician, Urology
Dr. Brian Blew
Physician, Urology
Dr. Jeffrey Warren
Physician, UrologyThe first step
If you are interested in becoming a living kidney donor, you must first complete the questionnaire below. You can return it by email, fax or mail. If you would like us to send you the questionnaire, please call us.
Contact us
Living Kidney Donation Program
613-738-8400 ext. 82719
613-738-8403
The Ottawa Hospital – Riverside Campus
Box 643
1967 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9