Assisted dying bill debate: Things pharmacy professionals should consider

As the assisted dying bill moves through Parliament, pharmacy professionals are encouraged to take part in the public debate.

The UK chief pharmaceutical officers (CPhOs) – Andrew Evans (Wales), Alison Strath (Scotland), Cathy Harrison (Northern Ireland), David Webb (England) – have
issued advice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians wishing to give their opinions on this important topic.

“In our view it is entirely reasonable for any pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to give their opinions, and that the public would expect that,” they said in
a statement released along with Elizabeth Fidler, senior professional advisor for pharmacy technician practice at NHS England, and Richard Cattell, deputy chief
pharmaceutical officer for England.

However, pharmacy professionals are advised to avoid identifying individuals they have cared for unless with their consent and directly engaging patients in the
debate.

The guideline also emphasised that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should express their personal views, and not speak for the professions.

The CPhOs noted that the final decision on assisted dying must be made by society as a whole, through the parliamentary.