Marie Curie Daffodil Standards launched to enhance palliative care in NI’s community pharmacies

(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

In a significant step towards improving palliative and end of life care, community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are being urged to adopt the newly launched Marie Curie Daffodil Standards.

This innovative framework, developed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in partnership with Marie Curie, aims to elevate the already high standard of care provided to patients with terminal illnesses and their families.

The Daffodil Standards offer a free, evidence-based framework designed to support pharmacy teams in delivering consistent, high-quality palliative care.

Supported by the Department of Health, Pharmacy Forum NI, and Community Pharmacy NI, the initiative is led by Northern Ireland’s regional lead pharmacist for palliative and end of life care. Over 70 community pharmacies in the region have already signed up, with hopes that more will follow.

A Framework for Excellence in Palliative Care

The Daffodil Standards provide a structured approach for community pharmacies to build on their existing palliative care provision. The framework includes continuous learning opportunities and simple quality improvement steps, enabling pharmacy teams to enhance their skills and confidence in supporting patients and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Professor Cathy Harrison, praised the initiative, stating:

“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.”

Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer accessible healthcare, often serving as the first point of contact for patients and families. The Daffodil Standards empower pharmacy teams to provide expert advice and emotional support, ensuring that those affected by terminal illness receive compassionate care.

Chris Black, Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist at Marie Curie and Belfast Trust, highlighted the critical role of pharmacies:

“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.”

Encouraging Participation Across Northern Ireland

Pharmacists interested in adopting the Daffodil Standards can sign up through the RPS website, where they will receive a comprehensive welcome pack. The pack includes notebooks, pens, posters, and leaflets, as well as a Daffodil sticker to display in pharmacy windows, showcasing their commitment to exceptional end of life care.

The registration process is free, and locum pharmacists are also encouraged to participate, ensuring that the Standards reach every corner of the pharmacy profession.

Peter Armstrong, Regional Lead Pharmacist for palliative care, emphasised the transformative potential of the Standards:

“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.”

A Collaborative Effort for Better Care

The Daffodil Standards were developed through a collaborative effort, led by Darrell Baker, with input from an Expert Steering Group and the RPS Community Pharmacy Expert Advisory Group. The framework draws on the expertise of community pharmacists and specialist palliative care professionals, ensuring it is both practical and impactful.

The Standards are part of a broader initiative by RPS and Marie Curie to improve palliative and end of life care across the UK. By adopting the Daffodil Standards, Northern Ireland’s community pharmacies can join a growing community of practice, accessing free webinars, updates, and opportunities to share learning with peers.

How to Get Involved

Community pharmacies and locum pharmacists in Northern Ireland can sign up for the Daffodil Standards at the RPS website.

Registration is straightforward and provides immediate access to resources designed to enhance palliative care delivery.

As the number of participating pharmacies grows, the Daffodil Standards are set to make a lasting impact on the quality of end of life care in Northern Ireland, ensuring that patients and their families receive the support they need with dignity and compassion.