Pharmacy Contraception Service

General practice incentive schemes across our region now include a dedicated integration target for the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS).

Under Target 6 – GP and Community Pharmacy Integration, GP practice teams are required to identify local pharmacies providing the PCS and meet with at least one pharmacy to establish scope, capacity, and referral pathways. Practices must also implement action plans to signpost eligible patients to pharmacy via text messaging, opportunistic contacts, and national campaign resources.

This creates a prime opportunity to build stronger local relationships and drive patient volume to your pharmacy.

What GP Practices Are Required to Do

To satisfy Target 6, practice teams must:

• Connect with local pharmacies: Arrange a meeting with at least one community pharmacy to discuss service scope (initiation, ongoing supply, and Emergency Hormonal Contraception) and capacity.
• Embed proactive signposting: Set up pathways to direct patients requesting routine contraception reviews, repeat supplies, or emergency contraception to community pharmacy.
• Utilize patient communication channels: Send targeted text messages (e.g., via Accurx) with links to pharmacy contraception options and display NHS promotional materials.

3 Action Steps for Pharmacy Teams

To ensure local GP practices partner with your pharmacy for this target:

1. Reach Out Proactively

Contact your local practice manager, prescribing lead, or PCN pharmacy team. Let them know you actively deliver the expanded NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (including initiation, ongoing supply, and EHC) and offer a short face-to-face or virtual meeting to discuss how you can support their Target 6 action plan.

2. Provide a Simple Service Overview

Share a quick 1-page summary or email covering:

• Service Scope: Confirmation that your team handles both initial consultations, ongoing pill checks, and EHC.
• Team Capacity: Your consultation room availability and walk-in/appointment times.
• Key Contacts: Direct phone number or email for the practice staff to use for queries.

3. Reassure Practices on Information Sharing

Remind GP staff that consultation notifications automatically flow back to the GP system upon patient consent, ensuring clinical records remain up to date without adding administrative burden to practice staff.

https://cpe.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PCS-What-GPs-and-Sexual-health-clinics-need-to-know-infographic-September-2025.pdf

https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/nhs-primary-care/nhs-pharmacy-contraception-service/

Template letter for Pharmacies to send to practices, scripts for Practice staff and SMS suggestions for Practices:

GP Reception

SMS templates for GP practice teams using text messaging systems

Pharmacy Letter to Practice

 

EHC Presentation Slide Deck – 9th October 2025