NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
You can get confidential advice and support with your contraception needs from a community pharmacy. This can be a convenient way to access care without needing an appointment at your GP practice or a sexual health clinic. You may be able to: You may be able to use this NHS service if: You will speak with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in a private consultation room. Some pharmacies may also offer consultations by telephone or video appointment. During the consultation, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician will: Another trained member of the pharmacy team may carry out additional checks such as measuring your blood pressure, height or weight ahead of your consultation. Yes. A pharmacist or pharmacy technician can discuss the most suitable emergency contraception option for you and, where appropriate, provide a free emergency contraception pill. Yes. A pharmacist or pharmacy technician can help you understand your contraception options and discuss what may be most suitable for your individual needs. You can receive expert advice in a confidential consultation without needing to visit your GP practice or a sexual health clinic. Yes. Where appropriate, a pharmacist or pharmacy technician may be able to start you on a contraceptive pill or switch you to a different contraceptive pill. If another option may be more suitable, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician can refer you to your GP practice or a sexual health clinic for further support. Yes. If you already use contraceptive pills, a pharmacist or pharmacy technician may be able to provide your next supply following a consultation. This can be a convenient alternative to arranging an appointment with your GP practice or a sexual health clinic. Your consultation is confidential. The pharmacist or pharmacy technician will not share information with your GP practice without your agreement, unless there is a concern about your safety or wellbeing. If you consent, a record of the consultation and any contraception supplied may be shared with your GP practice so your healthcare records can be kept up to date. You can access the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service in several ways. Some pharmacies offer walk-in consultations, while others may ask you to book an appointment. If the pharmacist or pharmacy technician cannot provide the care you need, they will advise you on the most appropriate next step. This may include a referral to your GP practice, sexual health clinic or another healthcare service. You can choose any pharmacy that provides this NHS service. Healthcare professionals should support your choice and should not restrict which pharmacy you use. Many pharmacies offer the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. Use the NHS tool to find a pharmacy providing the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. If you have concerns about your choice of pharmacy, you can contact your local integrated care board for advice. If this service is not suitable for you, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician will advise you on the most appropriate next step.
