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NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS)

 

NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS)

Start, continue or access oral contraception medication free on the NHS, confidentially and conveniently at Kepple Lane Pharmacy.

How it works

  1. Start here: Complete the online pre‑clinical form
  2. You’ll get an instant acknowledgement.
  3. We contact you within 48 hours to offer a phone, video, or in‑pharmacy appointment and explain next steps.
  4. Your consultation (10–20 minutes): options, safety, side‑effects, and next steps. For combined pills (COC) we record blood pressure, height, weight and BMI (bring recent readings if you have them, or we can measure in‑pharmacy). With your consent, we’ll notify your GP.
  5. Provision via Kepple Lane Pharmacy (subject to clinical criteria):
    • Initiation: up to 3 months to begin.
    • Ongoing supplies: up to 12 months after review (unless a clinical reason advises otherwise).
    • Emergency contraception: supplied promptly (levonorgestrel or ulipristal under NHS PGDs).

Who can use this service

  • People starting, restarting, switching or continuing the contraceptive pill (COC or POP) following assessment.
  • Emergency contraception (EC) after a brief consultation. Under‑16s are assessed using Fraser guidelines for competence.
  • Consultations can be face‑to‑face or remote (phone/video) where clinically appropriate.

Emergency contraception — timing matters

  • Levonorgestrel pill: take within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
  • Ulipristal pill: take within 120 hours (5 days).
  • Copper IUD is the most effective EC and can be fitted within 5 days via sexual‑health services — we will advise and signpost.
  • Act now: if you need EC, please call the pharmacy. 

What’s included

  • Clinical assessment and personalised contraception advice
  • Consultation by pharmacist or pharmacy technician (phone/video/in‑pharmacy)
  • Supply under NHS Patient Group Directions (PGDs) where suitable
  • Shared decision‑making and self‑care advice (missed pills, side‑effects)
  • With consent, GP notification for continuity of care

Costs

  • Supplies under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service are free of charge (no prescription fees).
  • Advance or “just‑in‑case” supplies of EC are not permitted under the national service.

Book or contact us

 

 

FAQs

Is there a fee?
No. Supplies under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service are free.

How quickly will you contact me?
We’ll be in touch within 48 hours of receiving your form to offer a phone/video/face‑to‑face slot.

What if the combined pill isn’t suitable?
We’ll consider progestogen‑only pills and discuss alternatives, including long‑acting methods (IUD/implant) via local sexual‑health services.

Do you inform my GP?
Yes, with your consent we share a summary for continuity of care. You can still receive care if you prefer not to share.

Can I get emergency contraception in advance?
No. Advance EC is not part of the national service — please call us immediately if you think you need EC.

Information sources: NHS England – PCS public page · PCS service specification overview · NHS – Emergency contraception · NHS – Emergency pill (how to take it) · PCS Patient Group Directions · CPE – PCS resources.

NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS)