Contraception Service - NHS Pharmacy
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), is now available across South Yorkshire from more than 95% of the pharmacy network. This service enables community pharmacies to initiate and provide ongoing supplies of oral contraception, giving patients a convenient alternative to booking a GP appointment.
From 29 October 2025 all participating pharmacies will also be able to provide oral emergency hormonal contraception as part of the national advanced service.
Do you know:
No formal referral is needed for initiation or ongoing contraceptive supply.
If all requests for pill checks, initiation of oral contraception or consultations for the morning after pill were directed to community pharmacies how much clinician time could be freed up at your practice?
Community Pharmacy South Yorkshire (LPC) offer the use of a free tool for practice websites ( mylocalpharmacy.org ) Practices can insert a banner (attached) which links to the website with no charge. Practices can view how the banner looks on the LPC website here
By signposting eligible patients to participating pharmacies, practices can help:
· - Increase capacity within general practice by reducing demand for routine contraception appointments.
· - Improve access for patients, with more flexible appointment times and no need to wait for a GP slot.
· - Support continuity of care, as pharmacies share records via the appropriate NHS systems.
· - Empower patients to manage their contraception in a way that’s accessible, confidential, and local.
To find a pharmacy delivering this service please search: Find a pharmacy that offers the contraceptive pill without a prescription – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Points to note:
Agreeing an escalation process with local pharmacies is encouraged, because there are some exclusions to the service e.g. pharmacies CANNOT supply to women 50 years or older for the combined oral contraceptive pill or 55 years or over for the progesterone only "mini pill".
The pill must be used for birth control and not for other medical conditions such as acne. For more information on exclusion criteria please refer to NHSE service specification.
Please see a GP toolkit (below). For further questions or additional support in utilising these services please get in touch, email: Claire.thomas47@nhs.net or info@CPSY.org.uk
Updated: December 2025
-
Clinical support group
-
Women's and Sexual Health
-
-
Clinical support area
Do you want to add this to your CPD record?
Did you find this page helpful?