Download PDF here - Macmillan Cancer Support

NewsBoots and Macmillanbroaden local supportWe know that there are peopleaffected by cancer who find it difficultto seek out help and support. Theymay not know where to turn forprofessional advice, be unsure aboutwhat local services are available ormay not be comfortable seeking help.The Boots Macmillan informationpharmacist role seeks to address andbreakdown these barriers. It was bornout of Macmillan and Boots’ visionthat everyone, wherever they are inthe UK, has access to the best cancerinformation and support in theirlocal area.Connecting servicesThe pharmacist role will signpostpeople affected by cancer to expertise,and set out the services available tothem in their local community. Thecreation of the role provides anotherchannel people can choose to accessthe information they need locally. BootsMacmillan information pharmacists willoffer advice in Boots stores, which forlots of people is a trusted, informaland familiar environment. Theywill also raise awareness of widerMacmillan services.Working with other professionalsAs well as supporting people living withcancer, the pharmacist role is designedto support Macmillan professionalsand assist the work of local informationservices. Boots Macmillan informationpharmacists are encouraged to buildlinks and raise the profile of localMacmillan services.To complement the work ofMacmillan information professionals,Boots Macmillan informationpharmacists will deliver cancerinformation at the Macmillan InteractionLevels 1–2 for information and supportservices. These will enable BootsMacmillan information pharmacists tounderstand and identify that peoplehave a variety of information needs,and signpost them to more specialisedsupport, both locally and nationally.PreparationTo become a Boots Macmillaninformation pharmacist, allpharmacists need to complete ane-learning programme, which wasdeveloped in consultation withBoots and Macmillan’s Learningand Development Team. It includescompulsory sign up to a Charter ofCommitment in which pharmacistsagree to seek out ongoing CPDopportunities to improve customercare for people affected by cancer.Becoming a Boots Macmillaninformation pharmacist is voluntary,but over 100 pharmacists havesigned up so far. It is anticipated thatthere will be at least 250 trainedpharmacists in Boots stores across theUK by the end of September.Speaking about her role as a BootsMacmillan information pharmacist,Kim Baker said, ‘I like to be on hand togive advice to people on the high streetand be that first port of call if anyonehas any questions. You get regularcustomers who really benefit from theadvice you’ve given them. It’s alsogreat to be more linked to Macmillan.The training has helped me becomethe pharmacist I wanted to become.’Want to know more?Visit macmillan.org.uk/bootsor call 020 7840 4901.www.macmillan.org.uk/macvoice 7