19/05/2025
As part of the government and the NHS’s primary care access recovery plan, patients requiring the contraceptive pill can access it through participating pharmacies without a referral from their GP, though they can be referred by their general practice or sexual health clinic. You may find when ordering a repeat prescription through your surgery that they tell you to come to the pharmacy now instead.
Not every pharmacy will be participating just yet, and some may only be able to offer it on certain days when they have a pharmacist on site who has completed the competency training for the service.
We are pleased to say that our regular pharmacist Louise is well established in offering this service, and you can arrange an appointment with her by calling into our branch or phoning us - see our page for opening times.
The pharmacist will offer a confidential consultation and reach a shared decision with the person about their first supply of the pill, or the ongoing supply of their current oral contraception. The supply of oral contraception will be free.
It is important to note that the service is only available to those who take the pill for contraception purposes and NOT for other reasons such as regulating hormones, cycles, etc. For needs such as these, you will need to speak to tell you're surgery and tell them you are not eligible for the service in pharmacy, and they will need to continue your ongoing care.
