Six MLAs have visited community pharmacies to hear about the vital role pharmacists play in supporting patients with palliative care needs.
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson, UUP MLA Doug Beattie and DUP MLA Diane Dodds met staff at Daly’s Pharmacy in Banbridge. Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan, UUP MLA Alan Chambers and DUP MLA Peter Martin visited Sweeney’s Pharmacy in Holywood.
Eóin Tennyson MLA commented:
“What stood out to me today in Daly’s was the commitment of the pharmacy team in supporting people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Pharmacists provide continuity of care, advice and support within the community, which cannot be matched elsewhere in the health service.”
The visits mark Palliative Care Week, taking place from 7th to 13th September. The annual all-island campaign aims to raise awareness of palliative care and increase public understanding of the support it provides.
Figures from end of life charity Marie Curie show that demand for palliative care in Northern Ireland is projected to rise by more than 32 per cent by 2048 (from 15,500 people in 2023 to 20,500 in 2048). The increase is driven by an ageing population, growth in chronic illness and more people living with multiple long-term health conditions.
All community pharmacies provide palliative care services, with patients and carers encouraged to access medicines from their regular pharmacy in the first instance. Daly’s and Sweeney’s are among more than 75 pharmacies in Northern Ireland that have adopted the Daffodil Standards. Developed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in partnership with Marie Curie, the standards help ensure good practice in palliative and end of life care.
During their visits, MLAs heard how pharmacists provide essential, personalised care for patients with terminal illness, as well as support for families and carers.
David Marshall, Community Pharmacist at Sweeney’s Pharmacy Holywood, added:
“We work closely with the Marie Curie Hospice in East Belfast, alongside district nursing teams, GPs, carers and families who come to us for prescriptions, medicines, advice and signposting. Since adopting the Daffodil Standards and delivering education to our staff, we have seen a real improvement in their confidence when supporting patients with palliative care needs. I would strongly encourage other pharmacies to register.”
The Daffodil Standards were introduced in Northern Ireland earlier this year and are supported by the Department of Health, Pharmacy Forum NI and Community Pharmacy NI. Pharmacies can register for a free welcome pack by searching ‘Marie Curie Daffodil Standards’ or visiting mariecurie.org.uk.