Women in England can now get the oral emergency contraceptive pill free on the NHS at nearly 10,000 high‑street pharmacies, without needing a GP appointment or a visit to a sexual health clinic.
NHS England described the change as one of the biggest shifts in sexual health services since the 1960s. It forms part of a wider expansion of community pharmacy services. Earlier this year many pharmacies began providing consultations and repeat supplies of the regular oral contraceptive; the new offer extends access to emergency contraception nationally. Not all pharmacies have signed up to deliver the NHS contraception service, but all now have the opportunity to do so.
Pharmacies will also offer extra support for people newly prescribed antidepressants. Anyone aged 18 and over collecting a new antidepressant prescription can get advice from their pharmacist on how the medication is working, side effects and healthy lifestyle changes, and can arrange follow‑up by phone if preferred. This is provided through the NHS New Medicine Service.
Dr Sue Mann, NHS National Clinical Director in Women’s Health, said the move will make reproductive healthcare more accessible, noting around four in five people live within a 20‑minute walk of a pharmacy. Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said the changes remove barriers to reproductive care and help reduce pressure on GPs. Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, welcomed the national roll‑out, noting many local schemes already operated similarly.
Community pharmacists are qualified health professionals able to provide confidential advice and to supply a wider range of treatments. In addition to emergency contraception and support for new medicines, pharmacies can offer:
– consultations and supply of the oral contraceptive;
– treatment for certain minor conditions without a GP (e.g., sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected bites, impetigo, shingles, urinary tract infections) where clinically appropriate;
– free blood pressure checks for people over 40;
– smoking cessation support;
– seasonal vaccinations, including flu and COVID vaccinations for those eligible.
The expansion follows a government funding boost of £617 million to pharmacies over two years. To raise public awareness of the wider role pharmacies now play, a national campaign will run from 20 October 2025 to 4 January 2026 across TV on‑demand, radio, outdoor advertising, online and social media.
Notes:
– The oral emergency contraceptive pill will be offered to women of childbearing age. Those under 16 will be assessed using Gillick competence/Fraser guidelines.
– Sexual and reproductive health services provided 92,109 emergency contraception items in 2024/25.
– Details on the New Medicine Service are available on the NHS England website.
– Availability may vary by pharmacy; patients should check with their local pharmacy whether the service is offered.
