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A pharmacist from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has taken up an important new role in supporting patients and families at the Southern Area Hospice, further enhancing the care provided to those in need of palliative and end-of-life support.
The Southern Trust has expanded its team of Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacists from two to three, helping to strengthen the hospice’s multi-disciplinary care team. This addition has been warmly welcomed, offering greater support to patients receiving care in the hospice and beyond.
Speaking on World Pharmacist Day (25 September), a day dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of pharmacists to healthcare, Jessie McNally, who is filling the new role, shared what her work entails.
“In this role, I assist patients and their families with medication, palliative care, and end-of-life needs across our in-patient unit, day hospice, and community settings,” Jessie explained. “As part of the wider multi-disciplinary team, I collaborate with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and chaplains to create personalised care plans, including adjustments to medications based on individual symptoms and overall treatment goals.”
Jessie admits that while the role can be emotionally challenging, it is also immensely rewarding.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of the job is being able to speak directly with patients and their families, offering education and counselling on how to get the most benefit from their medicines. It’s heartening to see how this support can significantly improve their quality of life, even in the face of serious illness,” she said.
Palliative care, Jessie added, is about much more than managing symptoms. “For many, these services are delivered over time, focusing on holistic care. Many of the patients I work with find relief from pain and other symptoms, which often allows them to return home. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”
The new Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist role is an important step forward in ensuring patients at the Southern Area Hospice receive the best possible care and support during a very difficult time.
