Pharmacy Contraception Service-Overview & Local Support

The Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS) is an Advanced Service that enables accredited community pharmacists to:

• Initiate the supply of oral contraception (OC) to eligible patients under the guidance of NHS Patient Group Directions (PGDs)

• Provide ongoing monitoring and repeat supplies of OC, ensuring safe and convenient access to contraception in a community setting

This service supports improved access to contraception, reduces pressure on GP services, and promotes patient choice and continuity of care.

About the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service

Hints & Tips

Getting Ready – first look at the PharmOutcomes screen shots 

Pharmacy Registration for Service Provision

Oral Contraception – Leicestershire Prescribing Advice

LLR PODs Signposting Safeguarding Support

As part of the 2025/26 CPCF contractual settlement announced on 31st March 2025, several significant updates have been made to the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS). These changes aim to improve service delivery, increase remuneration, and expand patient access.

Increased Service Fees

• Consultation fees for both initiation and repeat supply have increased to £25 (from £18) — a 39% uplift.

• The increased fee was effective from 1st April 2025, better reflecting the time and complexity involved, especially for initiation consultations.

Skill Mix: Pharmacy Technicians to Deliver PCS

• Once regulatory changes are made by NHS England and DHSC, suitably trained and competent pharmacy technicians will be able to provide the service.

• This supports greater skill mix flexibility and helps manage workload pressures.

Implementation is subject to updates to the service specification and Secretary of State Directions — updates will follow once confirmed.

Addition of Drospirenone

• Drospirenone will be added to the PGD list for PCS.

• Supply under the service will commence once the updated PGDs are published.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) to be Included

• From October 2025, EHC will be added to the nationally commissioned PCS (subject to IT updates).

• Fee structure:

  • £20 per consultation

  • Plus reimbursement for the cost of the EHC medicine

Work is ongoing to finalise this addition; updates will be shared when confirmed.

Impact on Local EHC Services

• The national commissioning of EHC may result in the decommissioning of some local authority services, but this will be at the discretion of individual local authorities.

• Key concern: Local add-ons (e.g. STI kits, condom provision) may not be included in the national model — LPCs are engaging with local commissioners to seek continuation of these services.

Benefits of the National EHC Service

• Wider and more equitable access: No restrictive patient eligibility criteria.

• Higher remuneration: Most pharmacies currently offering local services will receive better fees under the national model.

• Streamlined delivery: One consistent national pathway vs the variable models currently in place across England.

We will continue to share updates on service specification changes, PGD releases, and implementation timelines through our usual communication channels.