Services Database Supply of Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) under a Patient Group Direction in Community Pharmacies

Pharmacists will supply emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) when appropriate to clients in line with the requirements of the latest Patient Group Direction (PGD). The Fraser Guidelines will be taken into consideration every time a young person under the age of 16 requests a supply.
Pharmacists will link into existing networks for community contraceptive services so that women who need to see a doctor can be referred on rapidly.
Clients excluded from the PGD criteria should be referred to another local service provider that will be able to assist them as soon as possible, for example, GP, GUM, etc (or they will be offered the option of purchasing the ‘P’ product (Levonelle One-Step) if the exclusion from supply via the PGD is only due to an administrative matter, for example, the client is over the specified upper-age limit of 25 years.
The pharmacy will provide support and advice to clients accessing the service, including advice on the avoidance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through safer sex, advice on the use of regular and long-term contraceptive methods and provide onward sign posting to services as appropriate.
Community pharmacies will also be responsible for the provision of health promotion material including leaflets on EHC, long-term contraception and STIs.
This service is available for those of the age 25 and under.

Pharmacies should be EEFO level 1 accredited.
Pharmacists who wish to become accredited to offer this service must:

• attend a PHCC training session (attendance at a session is mandatory every two years);
• read  and understand the current EHC PGDs;
• complete the CPPE e-learning programme ‘Emergency contraception’;
• complete the CPPE open learning programme ‘Contraception’; and
• complete the CPPE e-learning programme ‘Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults’.