Leading end-of-life charity Marie Curie has officially launched its ‘Daffodil Standards’ for community pharmacies in Northern Ireland this week (March 31). 

The Daffodil Standards have been developed as part of a joint initiative with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to help pharmacy staff build confidence when providing support to palliative care patients.  

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The Standards are based on the work completed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and have been adapted for community pharmacy.  

They cover early identification, care support before and after death, seamless and coordinated care, and assessment of unique needs of the patient. 

Previously launched in the UK, it’s the first time it has been launched to the wider community pharmacy network in Northern Ireland. 

Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland (CPNI), the Department of Health and Pharmacy Forum NI supported the launch at Stormont. 

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“It's important to celebrate and recognise the role of our pharmacy community in NI, and the critical part they play in caring for those requiring palliative and end of life care," said Ulster Unionist Party Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Robbie Butler, who attended the launch. 

CPNI head of professional services Katherine Kidd welcomed the launch and advised teams to “use the standards at their own pace to help them gradually build on the high standard of care that is already provided”. 

Palliative care network pharmacist Kevin McDevitt was an early adopter of the Daffodil Standards. He said he saw “the confidence in my team grow” after using the standards, and “wholeheartedly” encouraged other pharmacies to get involved. 

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The RPS previously called on pharmacists to share their experiences of end-of-life care in a consultation with Marie Curie to shape the Daffodil Standards in 2022. 

Pharmacies can sign up on the RPS website.