The Health Minister has officially launched the Community Pharmacy Palliative Care Network during a visit to McCoubrey’s Chemist in north Belfast.
The new Network will operate across around 60 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland and is designed to ensure patients have timely access to palliative care medicines and specialist advice. It aims to support improved patient care during end of life and provide reassurance for families at a critical time.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the launch marked an important step in strengthening palliative care services across Northern Ireland. He said the Network, which was referenced in the Winter Preparedness Plan, will ensure patients and their families receive timely and compassionate support during one of the most challenging periods of life.
The Minister acknowledged the collaborative work between community pharmacists, Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland and officials within the Department of Health in delivering the new service. He said their commitment demonstrates the power of partnership in improving care for local communities while also helping to ease pressure on hospitals during a particularly busy winter period.
The Department of Health worked closely with Community Pharmacy NI to design and implement the Community Pharmacy Palliative Care Network, building on the existing role of pharmacies in supporting patients in the community.
Community Pharmacy NI chief executive Gerard Greene said community pharmacies play a vital role in supporting patients and families during end of life care.
He said the introduction of the Palliative Care Network provides an additional level of support, ensuring timely access to essential medicines and specialist advice when it is most needed.
The Network also reflects the Minister’s commitment to shifting care closer to home, with greater emphasis placed on community pharmacy within the new Neighbourhood Model of Care as outlined in the Reset Plan.
Alongside the launch of the Network, the Department of Health is encouraging all community pharmacies to sign up to the Daffodil Standards. The Standards are a joint initiative between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Marie Curie, supported by Pharmacy Forum NI and Community Pharmacy NI. They provide a framework for pharmacies to further develop the high standard of care already delivered to palliative care patients and their families.