Pharmacy Contraception Service specification and documents
From 1st December 2023, the service incorporates initiation and repeat supplies of contraception. Any pharmacy registering to provide the service must now provide the full service, i.e. both initiation and repeat supplies.
Pharmacies already providing Tier 1 service
Pharmacies already providing the service (previously described as the Tier 1 service) are operating under the original specification and documents
From 1st December 2023, once those pharmacies are ready to provide the expanded service (i.e. initiation and repeat supply), they must opt-in by making a declaration on MYS. This opt-in must be undertaken by 29th February 2024. Any pharmacies providing the Tier 1 service who do not opt-in by that date will be automatically deregistered from the service (and they will be informed of this by the NHSBSA).
Briefing 031/23: Guidance on the Pharmacy Contraception Advanced Service
This Community Pharmacy England Briefing provides additional guidance for pharmacy owners and their teams on the service.
The service involves community pharmacists providing:
- Initiation: where a person wishes to start OC for the first time or needs to restart OC following a pill free break. A person who is being switched to an alternative pill following consultation can also be considered as an initiation; and
- Ongoing supply: where a person has been supplied with OC by a primary care provider or a sexual health clinic (or equivalent) and a subsequent equivalent supply is needed. Their current supply of OC should still be in use.
The supplies will be authorised via a PGD, with appropriate checks, such as the measurement of the patient’s blood pressure and body mass index, being undertaken, where necessary.
