New Code of Ethics for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland launched

The new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland (2009) was recently launched (11 June 2009) in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

With over 50 representatives of pharmacy, the health sector and patients and the public present, speeches were delivered by:

• Mr John McCallister MLA, member of the Assembly Health Committee
• Mr Raymond Anderson MPSNI, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
• Mr Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety
• Ms Michelle McCorry MPSNI, Project Manager of the Code of Ethics Review
• Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, Chair of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

John McCallister MLA praised the role of pharmacy in the delivery of health services and reflected on the public need for a Code of Ethics and Standards:

 "The enhanced role of pharmacy in the future of health services is something I keenly welcome. Representing a rural constituency I am very aware of the role pharmacy plays in giving the public access to well informed health advice without an appointment and in a venue convenient to where they live and work.

But with these developing roles for pharmacy, such as the successful Minor Ailments Service, or the growing numbers of prescribing pharmacists, must come with an updated regulatory and ethical framework to reassure us all - members of the public and members of the profession - of what to expect from our pharmacist in terms of their conduct and behaviour."

Society President Raymond Anderson spoke of how the Code of Ethics and Standards helped to underpin the patient/professional relationship:

"It is important that the public have confidence in the standards we set for pharmacists and it is equally important pharmacists have the trust of patients. Service delivery is never a one way street, it is about partnership with the patient and agreed outcomes of healthcare. As pharmacy moves into more clinical areas providing many new services, including smoking cessation programmes, minor aliment services, cardiovascular review clinics, COPD clinics and pharmacy prescribing to name but a few this new code will provide core guidance."

The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey emphasized the role of the Code of Ethics as a reference point for both pharmacists and the public:

"Pharmacists have a vital role to play in providing quality healthcare within the Health and Social Care sector. They are very often the first point of contact for people needing treatment or advice so it is essential that people feel they can put their trust in the service they are receiving. 

The critical nature of medicines use demands that those overseeing them are subject to the highest standards of professional integrity and practice. I therefore welcome the new Code of Ethics from the Society as providing the reference point for pharmacists and, indeed, what the public can expect from this health professional group.

He finished with a quote from Henry Ward Beecher, a famous American speaker and social reformer in the nineteenth century:

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you."

Project Manager Michelle McCorry made a comparison between the Code of Ethics and the Highway Code:

"Take the analogy of the Highway Code. 99% of the time we operate with an implicit adherence to these rules. None of us would have arrived safely here today without their observance. They're part of our driving psyche. For example, at a 'Give Way' sign we stop or at a green light we go, with a minimal of thought. And so it is with the Code of Ethics, 99% of the time we operate with an implicit adherence to the Code. But when we encounter a professional challenge or a new situation, then it is essential that each of us is familiar with the principles and obligations contained within the Code. To it we go for the professional direction we must follow. The Code of Ethics provides a positive guidance and clear direction for pharmacists.

Finally Baroness Pitkeathley, Chair of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence, commented on the importance of the Code of Ethics in both empowering the patient and ensuring a healthy balance of regulation:

"As we now move forward in the 21st century the public will rightly be having a far greater say in how health services are managed, organised, delivered and regulated," she said. "Although we recognise that this is challenging, we also encourage patients and the public to help focus the attention of regulation on that which best serves and protects the public. This Code of Ethics is a positive move forward in 'right touch' regulation and protection of the public in the 21st century."

The new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland will become a live for all pharmacists in Northern Ireland from 1 July 2009.