Launch of the Marie Curie Daffodil Standards for community pharmacy in Northern Ireland
Date published:
Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to sign up to the Marie Curie Daffodil Standards for palliative and end of life care.
The Daffodil Standards provide a framework for community pharmacies to build on the high standard of care they already provide to palliative care patients and their families.
They are a joint initiative between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Marie Curie, supported by Department of Health, Pharmacy Forum NI, and Community Pharmacy NI.
Their implementation in Northern Ireland is led by the regional lead pharmacist for palliative and end of life care.
Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Professor Cathy Harrison commented:
“The dedication of community pharmacy makes an enormous difference to those facing the most difficult moments in their lives. With the launch of the Daffodil Standards in Northern Ireland, we take another step toward ensuring that everyone receives the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve at the end of life. I encourage all community pharmacies to embrace these standards and make them part of everyday practice.”
Over 70 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland have signed up to the Daffodil Standards and it is hoped this number will grow. Community pharmacists can sign up through the Royal Pharmaceutical Society website to receive a welcome pack.
Chris Black, Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist Marie Curie and Belfast Trust added:
“Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare providers and are ideally placed to support patients and the families of those diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Daffodil Standards build on the amazing work that community pharmacies already provide, creating a clear, structured approach to palliative and end of life care for the whole pharmacy team. The expertise of the community pharmacy team is then on hand to advise and reassure families when they really need support.”
Peter Armstrong, Regional Lead Pharmacist for palliative care said:
“We know the huge contribution community pharmacists make towards good end of life care in their local communities, frequently going the extra mile to ensure the very best care for their patients. Implementation of the Daffodil Standards for Palliative Care provides a framework to enable the whole pharmacy team to build on their skills, develop their confidence, elevate their commitment to palliative care and reinforce their key role in supporting patients with a terminal illness and their families.”
Notes to editors:
- The Standards are available at https://www.rpharms.com/recognition/setting-professional-standards/daffodil-standards
- Photo caption - L-R: Peter Armstrong, Regional Lead Pharmacist for Palliative and End of Life Care; Dr Gemma Ryder, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, SHSCT; Ellen Gault, Community Pharmacist; Kevin McDevitt, Community Pharmacist; Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer; Darrell Baker, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
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