Women in England to get contraceptive pill from chemists under new NHS plans

Women in England will be able to get the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy from next month, without the need for a GP appointment.

Pharmacies will begin offering the new contraceptive service in December with almost half a million women able to access the pill next year without needing to contact their GP first.

For the first time across England, women will be able to walk into their local pharmacy to be supplied oral contraception and receive their next supply.

The rollout is part of the NHS and government’s primary care access recovery plan, hoped to free up appointments and help improve access to general practice.

As more pharmacies begin offering the contraceptive service, the government says the nhs.uk web page will be updated so women can check which pharmacy near to them is offering access to contraception.

Pharmacists will also ramp up the number of blood pressure checks given to at-risk patients over the next year which could prevent more than 1,350 heart attacks and strokes.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “The care and support people receive from their local pharmacy is rightly highly valued by patients and so it is essential we use the skills and convenience of community pharmacies to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need.

“This is really good news for women. We all lead increasingly busy lives and thanks to this action, rather than making a GP appointment, women can simply pop into their local pharmacy when they need or want to access contraception.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: “For the public, these changes will mean more options for women when making a choice about their preferred contraception and reduce the risks of people suffering heart attacks and strokes.

“For healthcare professionals, this will free up GP appointments and make better use of the skills and expertise within community pharmacies.”

Dr Claire Fuller, NHS medical director for primary care and the NHS’ lead GP in England, said: “I’m delighted the changes that the NHS is making mean people will have new and convenient ways of accessing treatments for many common conditions.

“In particular, contraception is essential for many women, and this is a big step forward in making these services easier for women to access.

“Local pharmacies are trusted parts of our communities and GPs and pharmacists work closely together. Pharmacists have always provided continuity and long-term support to patients, families, and carers. So, this is a safe and common-sense way of making NHS services easier for patients to use.”

Janet Morrison, chief executive at Community Pharmacy England, added: “It makes perfect sense to use community pharmacies as a first port of call for healthcare advice, access to contraception and health checks.

“Local pharmacies are staffed by highly qualified healthcare professionals and empowering them to do more is a logical next step for primary care. These new services will help patients and the public, as well as reducing pressure on GPs and the wider NHS.”

William Pett, head of policy, public affairs and research at Healthwatch England, said: “Women across England will welcome the convenience of getting the contraceptive pill at a local pharmacy.

“Being able to see your GP in a timely manner remains the public’s top concern. If this initiative is effectively communicated and delivered, it will make a real difference to patients and relieve the pressure on hard-pressed services.”

However, he warned: “There could be potential problems, such as pharmacists not being able to see enough of people’s GP records or the ability of different communities and areas to access the new service. But, if evaluated well, the NHS will be able to ensure that this promising new service really works for patients.”

Tase Oputu, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s English Pharmacy Board, said: “This move will provide women with greater choice in obtaining contraception and advice in the way that best meets their needs.

“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and perfectly placed to provide relevant health checks and ongoing support for women accessing contraception.

“The trials of this scheme showed a widespread welcome for the service and the convenience community pharmacy offers as the front door to the NHS. It also makes suitable use of the clinical skills of pharmacists in partnership with GPs and existing sexual health services.”