Nearly 7,000 women access free morning-after pill at local community pharmcies
Local community pharmacies in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire have supplied nearly 7,000 morning-after pills to women over a seven-month period following the NHS making it available free-of-charge in October 2025.
Around 1000 emergency contraception consultations took place each month between October 2025 and April 2026, without women needing to book a GP or sexual health clinic appointment.
Pharmacy teams also support women with their ongoing contraception.
Lisa Fisher, a local community pharmacist and chair of Community Pharmacy Avon & Wiltshire, said:
“Women can now visit their local pharmacy to access emergency contraception quickly and confidentially. After a private consultation with a pharmacist or trained pharmacy technician, they can receive the emergency contraceptive pill on the same day, where appropriate.
“Pharmacy teams are also on hand to offer advice and support with ongoing contraception, whether you’re choosing a method for the first time, thinking about changing your contraception, or restarting after a break.
“Where clinically appropriate, pharmacists can also supply regular oral contraception, making it easier to access the care and support you need without having to book a GP appointment.”
Pharmacies will offer women a consultation in a private consultation room where they will ask relevant health-related questions to work out the best way to help. Women may have their blood pressure checked and their BMI measured by a member of the team.
If there isn’t a pharmacist available at the time, the team may book you an appointment to return at a convenient time for you.
Debbie Campbell, Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:
“The introduction of free emergency contraception through community pharmacies has been a welcome step forward for women’s health.
“It means women can access emergency contraception quickly and conveniently, with expert advice and support from their local pharmacy team when they need it most, without needing an appointment.
“Community pharmacists can also help women start or continue using the contraceptive pill, so they can leave not only with emergency contraception, where appropriate, but also with a longer-term contraception plan that meets their needs.”
Community pharmacies are accessible, open for extended hours and offer private consultation rooms, making it easier for women to seek advice in confidence and get the care they need, when they need it.
Women can find their nearest participating pharmacy using the NHS website’s pharmacy finder or emergency contraception search.
All pharmacists and pharmacy technicians delivering the service have received specialist training to provide emergency contraception and wider contraceptive care.