‘Pharmacy First’ contraceptive service launches in December

Thousands of women in England will be able to get the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy from next month.

Pharmacies across the country will offer the new contraceptive service from December, with almost half a million women able to access the pill next year without contacting their GP first.

‘Pharmacy First’ is part of the NHS and the Government’s primary care access and recovery plan which aims to release up to ten million GP appointments in 2024.

The plan also includes:

• pharmacists increasing the number of blood pressure checks for at-risk patients – with a commitment to deliver 2.5 million a year by spring 2025, which is up from 900,000 carried out last year
• patients being able seek treatment for several common conditions at pharmacies from early next year, such as sore throat, sinusitis, earache and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “It is a pleasure to start my time as Secretary of State with such a positive example of the Government, NHS and pharmacy sector working together to reach an agreement to improve services and save lives.

“For the public these changes will mean more options for women when making a choice about their preferred contraception, reduce the risks of people suffering heart attacks and strokes and make it easier to access medicines for common conditions.

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

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.” Read more on NHS England’s website.