The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is a free and confidential service offered by Pickfords Pharmacy, to patients who need their next supply of oral contraceptive pills, removing the need to book an appointment with their GP surgery or at a sexual health clinic.
The service also allows the patient to talk to our pharmacist to consider the various contraception choices and to select the best option for them.
Who can use this service?
You can use the service if:
- You are considering your choice of contraception and would like advice on your options.
- You would like to start taking or restart contraceptive pills.
- You are already taking a contraceptive pill that has been prescribed for you by your pharmacy, GP surgery or a sexual health clinic and you need your next supply of contraception.
How do I access the service?
Either call us or book online to arrange a convenient time that suits you to complete a consultation with our pharmacist. It may be possible to just turn up and have a consultation with the pharmacist.
What does the consultation involve?
The pharmacist will carry out your consultation. They will ask you the same sort of questions as the healthcare professional at your GP surgery would ask.
An appropriately trained member of the pharmacy team might also carry out some checks – such as taking your blood pressure, weight, height and asking about your medical history.
The pharmacist will discuss any concerns you may have and refer you to your GP surgery or sexual health clinic for further support if required.
Which oral contraceptive pill can you provide?
We can provide a range of oral contraceptive pills that is currently available on an NHS prescription. This includes combined oral contraceptives as well as progesterone-only contraceptives.
How many contraceptive pills can you supply?
For ongoing contraception, we will normally supply the usual duration you receive from your GP, up to a maximum of 12 months' worth of contraceptive pills.
Is the supply of contraceptive pills free of charge?
Absolutely. Supply is free of charge in the same way all contraception is free of charge when supplied by the NHS.
Will my information be passed on to my GP?
The consultation is confidential, so the pharmacist will not talk to your GP or share your information without your consent.
If you agree, the pharmacist will send a record of the consultation and the details of any contraception supplied to your GP surgery.
If the pharmacist identifies any health problems, for example, raised blood pressure, they will talk to you about sharing this information with your GP.