Getting reliable contraception should be simple, confidential, and stress-free. Through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), eligible patients can access free contraception directly from Putney Pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment. This NHS-funded service covers both ongoing oral contraception and emergency contraception, provided following a confidential consultation with our pharmacist.
The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is an NHS-funded service available in England through participating community pharmacies. It allows patients to access certain types of contraception directly from a pharmacy, without first needing to see a GP. The service can provide:
-Initiation of oral contraception, meaning you can request the contraceptive pill from a participating pharmacy without a prior GP prescription.
-Ongoing supply of oral contraception, following an appropriate clinical assessment.
-Oral emergency contraception (the emergency contraceptive pill).
You do not need to be registered with a GP to use this service, and you can self-refer directly to us. You may also be referred by a GP practice, a sexual health service, or another NHS service.
Yes. Contraception supplied through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is free of charge, with no prescription fee. This includes both oral contraception and oral emergency contraception. NHS England has confirmed that free oral emergency contraception has been available through participating NHS pharmacies since October 2025.
Eligibility is not based on age alone. A pharmacist or trained pharmacy technician will carry out a confidential clinical consultation to determine whether contraception can be supplied under the relevant NHS Patient Group Direction (PGD). Meeting an age criterion does not guarantee supply; clinical suitability must also be established.
| Group | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|
| Menarche up to and including 49 years | Covered under the current combined oral contraception PGD, subject to clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria assessed at consultation. |
| Under 16s | Must be assessed as competent under the Fraser guidelines before contraception can be supplied. |
| Not registered with a GP | You can still access the service and self-refer directly to a participating pharmacy. |
| Referred by another NHS service | Accepted, including referrals from a GP practice or sexual health service. |
You will be offered a private and confidential consultation with our pharmacist or a trained pharmacy technician. During this consultation, we will:
-Discuss your contraception needs and medical history.
-Review your current medicines.
-Where appropriate, check your blood pressure, height, and weight.
-Reach a shared decision with you about the most suitable option.
With your consent, we can inform your GP practice about the consultation and any supply made, to help support continuity of your care.
| Service | Cost | Appointment Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation of oral contraception | Free (NHS-funded) | No GP referral required; self-refer to Putney Pharmacy |
| Ongoing supply of oral contraception | Free (NHS-funded) | Subject to clinical assessment at each supply |
| Oral emergency contraception | Free (NHS-funded) | Walk-in, confidential consultation |
As a participating community pharmacy, we offer a confidential and convenient alternative to a GP appointment. There is no need to be registered with a GP, and consultations are private. Our pharmacist will help you understand your options and make sure any contraception supplied is clinically appropriate for you.
If you would like to access free contraception through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, book a confidential consultation with our pharmacist below.
This page reflects the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service specification and Patient Group Directions in place at the time of writing. Eligibility is always confirmed at consultation and may be subject to change.