Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) Service at Neils Pharmacy

Confidential, Quick Access to the Morning-After Pill

At Neils Pharmacy, we provide the National Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) Service, offering fast, confidential access to the morning-after pill when you need it most.

🚨 Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex, if your regular contraception has failed (for example, a condom breaking), or if pills have been missed.

You do not need to see your GP or attend a sexual health clinic first — you can attend the pharmacy for a same-day, confidential consultation with our pharmacist.

What Is Emergency Hormonal Contraception?

Emergency hormonal contraception, often referred to as the morning-after pill, is a short-term method of contraception used after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

There are two main types:

• 💊 Levonorgestrel – usually effective if taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
• 💊 Ulipristal acetate – may be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex in some cases

⏱️ Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken.

You can read more about emergency contraception on the NHS website:
👉 Emergency Contraception – NHS

Our pharmacist will talk through the options available and help determine which is most suitable for you.

How the National EHC Service Works at Neils Pharmacy

• 🔐 Confidential consultation – a private discussion to assess your situation
• 🩺 Clinical assessment – reviewing timing, medical history, and suitability
• 💊 Supply of emergency contraception – provided on the same day if clinically appropriate
• 📄 Follow-up advice – guidance on how to take it, side effects, and next steps

🏥 You do not need to be registered with a GP to use this service.

Who Can Use This Service?

The Emergency Hormonal Contraception service may be suitable if you:

• ⚠️ Are concerned about pregnancy after unprotected sex
• ⏳ Need emergency contraception within the recommended time frame
• 🤔 Are worried about contraceptive failure or missed pills

Our pharmacist will assess suitability during the consultation. If emergency contraception is not appropriate, we will explain alternative options and signpost you to relevant NHS sexual health services.

📌 Please remember: emergency contraception is most effective the sooner it is taken.

Confidential and Supportive Care

🤝 Your consultation is private, respectful, and non-judgemental.

During your visit, we will:

• 🧠 Explain how emergency contraception works
• ⏱️ Discuss how soon it needs to be taken
• ❓ Answer any questions about safety or side effects
• 🔒 Respect your privacy at every step

If you would like longer-term contraception support, we can also signpost you to appropriate NHS services.

Do I Need to Pay?

💷 Under the national Emergency Hormonal Contraception scheme, eligible patients can access the morning-after pill free of charge on the NHS when supplied as part of the national pharmacy service.

If a non-NHS supply is requested, or if eligibility criteria differ, any costs will be explained clearly before you proceed.

Other Ways to Access Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is also available from:

• 🏥 Sexual health clinics
• 🩺 Many GP surgeries

You can find services near you using the NHS service finder:
👉 Find Emergency Contraception Services – NHS

Looking for Ongoing Contraception?

Emergency contraception is for short-term use only.

For ongoing oral contraception supplied through a separate NHS service, please see:

👉 NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service at Neils Pharmacy

Get Help When You Need It

You can visit Neils Pharmacy during opening hours for a confidential consultation about emergency contraception.

Our pharmacists are here to help you access timely care and clear information — with your privacy and dignity always respected.