Flexible and convenient access to contraceptive pills
People living in Surrey can now access contraceptive pills at participating pharmacies. This new service expands the available contraceptive options by offering the supply of oral contraception without the need for a doctor's or nurse's prescription or being registered with a general practitioner (GP).
A pharmacist may be able to supply the contraceptive pill if you need to:
- start using the contraceptive pill for the first time
- start the contraceptive pill again after a break from taking it
- get a supply of the contraceptive pill if it's already been prescribed to you
We spoke to Shegun Bada, pharmacist at Chertsey Pharmacy about the introduction of the service. We asked him a few questions that you might have about the new service.
Can you just ask for the contraceptive pill over the counter? Do you need to book an appointment? How does it work?
'No appointment is required. All we need to do is take your blood pressure, height and weight. Once that's done and it is deemed suitable for us to supply it to you, the pharmacy team will provide the contraceptive pill free of charge.'
How are you able to prescribe the contraceptive pill and carry out all the associated health checks?
'We supply oral contraceptives via a locally commissioned service. We have a registered pharmacist available at all times. They have been trained and are qualified in making the supply, after performing the necessary health checks such as blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI) check. As a result we are able to offer this service to all who qualify.'
How can people be sure they can have private conversations and won't be overheard?
'The pharmacy is equipped with a private consultation room. Here, you can have a private conversation with the pharmacist about anything you wish, including contraception'
Will my GP know that I obtained the contraceptive pill from a pharmacy? Do you share my notes/records?
'If the pharmacist gives you the contraceptive pill, they will only share this information with your GP if you give them permission to do so.'
When can people come and get the contraceptive pill from you?
'You can get the contraceptive pill at any time during pharmacy opening hours.'
To find your local pharmacy offering this service and their opening times, use the NHS pharmacy finder tool.
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