The NPA has reiterated its position on Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) in response to an article in the Prescriber. The NPA in reply to the article (Vol 19 Issue 7 April 2008) stated that women should be able to obtain a combined oral contraceptive directly from a pharmacist.

Margaret Peycke, NPA Service Development Information Manager said: “The NPA believes that the sexual health needs of patients should be met through easy access to safe and effective clinical services. Local sexual health services should include community pharmacists as an integral part of the care pathway.”

“We acknowledge the difficulties with providing EHC but pharmacists operate within the same framework as other members of the sexual health team. Pharmacists work to agreed clinical pathways and supply to under 16s is made via a patient group direction. Advice on regular contraception and sexually transmitted diseases will be given and, in some parts of the country, Chlamydia screening will be offered.”

“Community pharmacists do not try to replace specialist services but work with them to increase access to services in a greater number of locations. Community pharmacy should be seen as an additional resource that complements existing family planning services, improving health outcomes for women.”

ENDS