How to get the pill and emergency contraception from your local pharmacy
Community pharmacies across England can now offer a wider range of contraception services, making it quicker and easier to access advice and medication without always needing a GP appointment.
The Pharmacy Contraception Service aims to increase choice and improve access while helping GP practices and sexual health clinics focus on more complex care.
What has changed
Under the Pharmacy Contraception Service, trained community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can:
- Start someone on the oral contraceptive pill
- Provide repeat supplies of routine oral contraception
- Offer the morning after pill free of charge, where appropriate
This means many people can access contraception or emergency contraception directly from their local pharmacy, often without needing to see a GP or visit a clinic.
Who can use this service
Anyone of childbearing potential who wants to start, continue or access emergency oral contraception for contraceptive purposes can use the service.
If you use the pill for other reasons, such as acne or period management, this will still need to be managed through your GP.
If the pharmacist cannot provide contraception
If the pharmacist or pharmacy technician believes it is not safe or appropriate to provide contraception or emergency contraception, they will explain why and refer you to your GP or a sexual health clinic for further advice and support.
Sharing information with your GP
With your agreement, the pharmacy will share details of your consultation electronically with your GP. This helps keep your medical record accurate and up to date.
Information shared may include:
- Blood pressure and BMI, if relevant
- What was prescribed
- The outcome of the consultation
When and where the service is available
- Pharmacies can choose the days and times they provide the contraception service.
- Most pharmacies will offer emergency contraception during their usual opening hours.
- You can check which pharmacies provide the service by visiting the NHS website and viewing the pharmacy’s profile.
You do not need a referral from your GP or clinic. You can contact or visit a participating pharmacy directly to ask about the service.
Why this matters
The Pharmacy Contraception Service:
- Makes it quicker and easier to access contraception and the morning after pill
- Increases choice about where people receive care
- Reduces pressure on GP and sexual health clinic appointments
- Supports more consistent access to free contraception across England
Find out more
You can read more about the Pharmacy Contraception Service on the Community Pharmacy England website.
If you are unsure where to go for contraception or emergency contraception, speak to your local pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic, or visit the NHS website for further advice.
If you would like help understanding your options or want to share your experience of accessing contraception services, Healthwatch North Yorkshire is here to listen and make sure local services understand what matters to people.
Acknowledgement
Healthwatch North Yorkshire would like to thank local community pharmacists across York and North Yorkshire, as well as Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire, for supporting the development of this article about the Pharmacy Contraception Service and the role pharmacies play in improving access to contraception.
Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire is the local representative body for community pharmacy contractors. It supports pharmacies across the county, represents their interests and works with NHS organisations and partners to improve pharmacy services for patients.
