Pharmacy Contraception Service

Confidential consultations and supply of the contraceptive pill (combined pill and progestogen-only pill) at your local pharmacy. We can initiate or continue your oral contraception following a clinical assessment with a pharmacist. Supplies are made under NHS Patient Group Directions (PGDs)

Cost: This is an NHS service—there are no prescription charges for oral contraception supplied through the service.

Who can use this NHS service?

You can access the service if you’re looking to start the pill for the first time, restart after a break, or continue a current pill:

Combined oral contraceptive (COC):

from first period (menarche) up to and including 49 years

Progestogen-only pill (POP):

from first period (menarche) up to and including 54 years

You may self-refer (walk in or contact us directly), or be referred by your GP, sexual health clinic, NHS 111 or other NHS services. Pharmacies can also identify and offer this service when appropriate.

Note: The service is for contraception. If the pill is being sought for non-contraceptive indications (e.g., acne, cycle control), we’ll signpost you to your GP/sexual health clinic.

What we can provide

Initiation

of the combined pill or the mini pill (subject to suitability)

Ongoing supply

and clinical checks for people already using oral contraception

Advice

on use, missed pills, interactions, and what to do if problems occur

Health checks

where needed (e.g., blood pressure, BMI) during your review

With consent, we’ll inform your GP

so your records stay up to date

How your appointment works

You’ll meet a pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician in a consultation room (or remotely if clinically appropriate). We’ll discuss your medical history, preferences, and any previous contraception.

– Where required, we’ll measure blood pressure and BMI and review risks/benefits and suitability under the PGDs.

If suitable, we’ll agree a pill and provide an NHS supply under PGD. We’ll also cover missed-pill rules and warning signs

We’ll arrange reviews/ongoing supplies as appropriate and, with consent, update your GP.

How your appointment works

You’ll meet a pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician in a consultation room (or remotely if clinically appropriate). We’ll discuss your medical history, preferences, and any previous contraception.

– Where required, we’ll measure blood pressure and BMI and review risks/benefits and suitability under the PGDs.

If suitable, we’ll agree a pill and provide an NHS supply under PGD. We’ll also cover missed-pill rules and warning signs

We’ll arrange reviews/ongoing supplies as appropriate and, with consent, update your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Supplies under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service are exempt from prescription charges. 

No. Pharmacists providing PCS can initiate or continue the pill directly under NHS PGDs after assessing your suitability. 

Both the combined pill (COC) and the progestogen-only pill (POP)—the exact brand/type depends on your clinical assessment and preferences. 

COC from menarche up to and including 49; POP from menarche up to and including 54.

With your consent, we’ll share information so your records stay accurate. 

Yes—remote consultations are allowed where the pharmacist judges it clinically appropriate. 

We’ll explain why and signpost to GP or sexual health services for alternatives (e.g., LARC methods 

Book your NHS contraception appointment

We offer confidential, friendly advice and timely access to the pill—without needing a GP appointment.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.