Services Database Emergency Hormonal Contraception Service (Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Area)

Pharmacists will supply levonorgestrel or ullipristal emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) free of charge, when appropriate, to clients in line with the requirements of the locally agreed Patient Group Directions (PGDs) for patients that meet the criteria set down in the PGD.

Pharmacists will link into existing networks for community contraceptive services and utilise local signposting information so that women who need access to alternative services may do so.

Clients who are excluded from the PGD criteria will be referred to another local service that will be able to assist them, as soon as.

The pharmacist will also provide support and advice to clients accessing the service, including advice on the avoidance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through safer sex and condom use, advice on the use of regular contraceptive methods and provide onward signposting to services that provide long-term contraceptive methods and diagnosis and management of STIs.

The pharmacy contractor should ensure that pharmacists and staff involved in the provision of the service have relevant knowledge and are appropriately trained in the operation of the service, including sensitive, client centred communication skills and accreditation as set out in the SLA. All pharmacists providing this service must be accredited and accreditation notified to the Council for each individual pharmacist.

Pharmacists and appropriate support staff must attend Council or [Clinical Commissioning Group] organised updates as required, including clinical training and communications training with regard to working with young people.

Pharmacists must attend and complete accredited training including a local workshop and Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) EHC and contraception learning packs.