Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS): A New Way to Access Your Oral Contraceptive Pill
To improve access to contraception and make the most of NHS resources, a new service is now available through the local community pharmacies.
If you are currently using or planning to start the oral contraceptive pill for contraception, you can now visit your pharmacy for your contraceptive needs rather than contacting the Practice. Please note that this service is only available for those using the contraceptive pill for contraception and not for other medical indications.
This is part of the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), designed to offer greater choice and convenience for patients while helping GP Practices focus on more complex care.
What Does This Mean for You?
You can now visit a participating pharmacy for a confidential consultation about your oral contraception.
The service is free, and oral contraception remains exempt from prescription charges.
Pharmacies offer a walk-in or bookable service, making it easier to access care at a time that suits you.
You do not need to be registered with a GP to use this service, and pharmacies will only inform your GP of your visit with your consent.
By using this service, you are helping the Practice manage its workload and ensuring we can dedicate time to those with more complex healthcare needs.
Why Use the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS)?
The PCS provides greater choice and easier access for starting or continuing your oral contraception. It also highlights the important role pharmacies play in addressing health inequalities and improving healthcare access in the community.
This service helps to create additional capacity in GP Practices and sexual health clinics, allowing them to focus on patients who need more specialised care.
Eligibility for PCS
You can access this service if you are:
Starting an oral contraceptive; or
Continuing a current oral contraceptive prescription (Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill for ages 12–49 or Progesterone Only Pill for ages 12–54).
What to Do Next
Simply visit your local participating community pharmacy to access the Pharmacy Contraception Service. We are grateful for your support in helping us deliver the best care for all our patients.
Day Lewis and Boots are offering the service:
Pharmacy Contraception Service – Day Lewis
NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service – Boots Health Hub
For more information, contact your local pharmacy or read more about the service here.