22nd August 2024
Chief Executive Dr Maria O’Kane is pictured with Helena McClean, Neighbourhood District Nursing Coach, Katrina Loughran, Integrated Care Team District Nursing Manager, Fionnuala McGrane Moy District Nurse pilot team, Gerard Leddy, Specialist Palliative Care Service Lead, Dr Gerry Millar, GP Facilitator in Cancer and Palliative Care . Not pictured are Elaine Mulligan, Head of Service Specialist Primary Care and Charlene Mcguigan, Head of Service Integrated Care Team.
A new project for palliative care has been launched in the Southern Trust.
Just-in-Case (JIC) Boxes contain essential medications to treat common symptoms, that are kept at home and are accessible as and when required.
The roll out follows a successful pilot scheme in the Dungannon area.
By enhancing patient care in their own home, the JIC boxes help support the prevention of unnecessary hospital admissions and the need to access urgent care out of hours.
Dr Gerry Millar, Trust, GP Facilitator in Cancer and Palliative Care explained:
“Effective and timely symptom control is essential for our patients. The Just-in-Case Boxes are part our ongoing goals of making a positive difference for those receiving palliative treatment and delivering user friendly, effective, patient centred care throughout the community on a 24/7 basis.”
Gerard Leddy, Specialist Palliative Care Service Lead, added:
“The JIC medications are used to support rapid access to key medication and it means suitably trained professionals can respond to administer them in a timely manner.
“This initiative will be of particular benefit in the Southern Trust, as it will enable easier access to essential breakthrough medications in widespread rural areas.
“The artwork featured on the boxes is by Piotr Modrzejewski, who was under the care of our district nurse and specialist palliative care teams, who sadly passed away in 2022.” 
Charlene McGuigan, Head of Service for District Nursing, Integrated Care Teams said:
“The JIC boxes ensure essential medications are readily available in your home, allowing us to provide timely care when you need it, especially overnight and at weekends when access to medication can be challenging. This approach supports our ability to care for patients in their own home.”
Chief Executive for the Southern Trust Dr Maria O’Kane said:
“Access to appropriate palliative medications in the community, in the right place at the right time is fundamental for dignified palliative and end of life treatment.
“Just-In-Case Boxes are utilised across the UK and are recognised as best practice by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).”