Emergency Hormonal Contraception - have your say

The aim of the survey was to explore current barriers to pharmacies providing emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), and to understand any challenges residents face when accessing EHC and other sexual health services in North Northamptonshire.

Pharmacy providers identified issues with training, funding, and system organisation that impact their ability to deliver EHC.

Stakeholders and residents told us that community pharmacy is often the preferred access point for EHC, but that more public education is needed around how to access it for free.

Transport and geography were also raised as barriers, especially for those trying to reach sexual health services from rural areas.

Survey findings were shared with local stakeholders, sexual health providers and public health leads to highlight key themes and inform future planning.

The insights are being used to guide further work, raise public awareness, and support a smooth transition as emergency contraception is added to the national NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. This change will enable participating community pharmacies in England to provide free emergency contraception as part of their NHS offer. Local communications and support will be put in place to assist pharmacies and the public through this transition.