Boots and Macmillan launch improved access to cancer information
A specially trained Boots Macmillan Pharmacist will from this week be available in Boots’ Market Square store in Dungannon to signpost and connect people affected by cancer to local services, at a time when they need it the most.
Boots UK and Macmillan have trained 13 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists in Northern Ireland and over 500 across the UK to help improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
It is estimated that 56,000 people are currently living with or beyond cancer in Northern Ireland (2 million in the UK) and this is anticipated to double over the next two decades2,3. Yet according to new research4 almost a third of people affected by cancer felt that they had insufficient information and support outside of their healthcare team.
The launch of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist is the first time that the role of a pharmacist has been extended to include this type of cancer information and support. As the demand for cancer services is set to rise, the launch of this innovative pharmacy role aims to help the millions of people affected by cancer access the information and support they need, in an accessible and trusted environment.
Boots and Macmillan know that access to the right information and support at the right time can have a positive impact on those affected by cancer. Evidence shows that cancer patients feel better after having someone to talk to on a one-to-one, face-to face basis.5 Working together as part of the Boots and Macmillan partnership, Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists have received bespoke training to enable them to talk to people affected by cancer about the wider, practical and emotional issues they may experience as part of their cancer journey.
Paula Kealey, Senior Macmillan Development Manager, comments: “We’ve been really delighted with the number of Boots Pharmacists in Northern Ireland wanting to take up this opportunity. Macmillan and Boots UK believe that by sharing expertise and working together, we can reach even more of the tens of thousands of people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland than we are currently.
“Improving access and connecting people to Macmillan information and support in Boots stores will help us achieve our joint ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer and help build a legacy in the local community.”
As one of the most trusted professions in the UK6, pharmacists are in a unique position to deliver additional support to those affected by cancer, on the high street within the community.
Visit www.boots.com/cancer to find your nearest Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist.
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Weather for Dungannon
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
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