To mark World Contraception Day this week and as students return to university the North West’s top pharmacist is urging the public to be aware of the ways they can access contraception and what is available to them to make informed decisions on sexual and reproductive health.

Chief Pharmacist, Karen O’Brien MBE, who leads the pharmacy service across the region, said many people weren’t aware of how much they could access just by attending their local pharmacy.

“The community pharmacy service has gone through huge changes in recent years and many people aren’t aware of just how much care they can access there,” said Karen.

Karen O'Brien and Paula Cowan  (Image: Supplied)

“The community pharmacy service actively supports people wishing to initiate oral contraception or to continue an oral contraception source they have already begun, so it is the perfect option for students who might be living away from home for the first time.”

Across the North West 341 community pharmacies are already actively providing this service, with more than 18,26 individual prescriptions filled and access to the service increasing at pace since its launch in April 2024.

Members of the public who wish to find a pharmacy providing the service can do so at https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-offering-contraceptive-pill-without-prescription/

"Many of our pharmacies also support patients who need emergency contraception without a prescription, and it is vital people are aware where and how they can access that support when they need to,” said Karen. “The more pharmacies offering this service the better people will be able to make informed choices on their own sexual and reproductive health.”

Members of the public who wish to find a pharmacy near them where they can access emergency contraception can do so at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-emergency-contraception/

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS North West, said: “It’s important people understand contraceptive services are widely available and accessible to all to ensure people have the freedom to make the best choice for their own personal needs.

“GP practices, sexual health clinics, and pharmacies all provide access to services and for any students its worth making yourself aware of what is available on your own university and campus health clinics, many of which will offer some form of contraception as well.”