NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PIPS) in Neath

Our NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (PIPS) in Neath offers convenient access to
bridging and regular oral contraception from a pharmacist independent prescriber.
You don’t always need to see a GP – we can often help directly in the pharmacy, subject to eligibility and clinical assessment.

In Wales, this service is part of the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS).
This means you will be seen by a pharmacist who has undertaken additional training and is authorised to
assess, prescribe and monitor certain medicines within their NHS-approved scope of practice.

Whether you’ve used emergency contraception,
are waiting for a GP or clinic appointment, or need a review of your usual pill, we’re here to help
you stay protected and supported.

What Is the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service?

The NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service allows a pharmacist independent prescriber to provide certain types of
oral hormonal contraception directly in the pharmacy, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. This includes:

• Bridging contraception – a short-term supply to keep you covered while you are waiting for a GP, clinic or long-term method (for example, coil, implant or injection).
• Regular ongoing contraception – starting or continuing suitable contraceptive pills after a structured review.

The service is designed to make access to contraception easier, faster and more flexible, while still
working closely with your GP and other NHS services.
The exact types of contraception available may depend on the individual pharmacist’s prescribing scope.

Who Is the Service For?

You may be able to use the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service if:

• you are already taking the contraceptive pill and need a review or repeat supply
• you have recently used emergency contraception and need bridging contraception
• you are waiting for an appointment for a long-acting method (such as coil, implant or injection)
• you are considering the pill as an option and would like to discuss whether it’s suitable for you

Our pharmacist independent prescriber will check your eligibility in line with NHS Wales guidance and clinical protocols.
If the pharmacy contraception service is not suitable for any reason, we’ll explain your options and signpost you to the most appropriate local service.

How the Contraception Consultation Works

You’ll be seen in our private consultation room at Neath Pharmacy by a pharmacist independent prescriber trained in contraception.
During your consultation we will:

• take a brief medical, menstrual and contraceptive history
• check your blood pressure, weight and any relevant risk factors
• discuss which contraceptive options are safe and suitable for you
• provide a supply of contraception where appropriate under the NHS service
• agree a follow-up plan and advise when you should see your GP or sexual health clinic

We work in partnership with your GP and local sexual health services, sharing information where appropriate to keep your records up to date and support joined-up care.

Bridging Contraception After Emergency Contraception

If you’ve recently taken the morning after pill,
we can often provide bridging contraception to help prevent further risk of unplanned pregnancy.
This short-term supply keeps you covered until you can arrange a longer-term method that suits you.

We’ll explain clearly:

• when to start your pill after emergency contraception
• whether you need to use condoms as extra protection and for how long
• when to do a pregnancy test and what to do if your period is late

Regular Contraception Reviews at the Pharmacy

If you’re already taking the pill, it’s important to have regular reviews to make sure it’s still the right choice for you.
Through PIPS, our pharmacist independent prescriber can:

• check how you’re getting on with your current pill
• assess blood pressure, side effects and any changes to your health
• adjust or switch your pill where clinically appropriate and within their prescribing scope
• issue an NHS supply for an agreed period of time

We’ll also highlight when you need to see your GP or sexual health clinic, for example for smear tests, contraception that isn’t covered by PIPS, or other health checks.

Is the Service Free?

Yes, this is an NHS-funded service for eligible patients in Wales. Any charges will be discussed clearly with you before we supply anything.

Confidential, Supportive Care

Your consultation is completely confidential. We know talking about contraception can sometimes feel awkward,
but our team offers a friendly, non-judgemental space where you can ask questions and make informed choices.

If you are under 16, we will still see you confidentially in line with professional guidance. We may encourage you to involve a trusted adult, but we will not share your information without your permission unless we are concerned about your safety.

Other Services You Might Find Helpful

• Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) in Neath
• NHS Prescribing Pharmacist Service
• NHS Common Ailments Service (for a range of everyday health conditions)

Pharmacy Contraception Service FAQs

What contraception can I get from the pharmacy?

Under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service (part of PIPS) at The Health Dispensary Neath Pharmacy, we can usually provide certain
oral contraceptive pills for initiation, bridging or repeat supplies, depending on your medical history, eligibility and the pharmacist’s prescribing scope.
Your pharmacist will explain your options during a confidential consultation.

Is the pharmacy contraception service free?

For eligible patients this is an NHS-funded service in Wales. Our team will confirm your eligibility
and let you know if any charges apply before supplying anything.

Do I still need to see my GP?

You may not always need to see your GP for pill reviews or short-term supplies, as our pharmacist independent prescriber can often help directly at the pharmacy.
However, you’ll still need your GP or sexual health clinic for some methods (such as coils, implants, injections) and for routine checks like smear tests.
We’ll advise you if and when you should book with them.

Can I use the service if I’ve just taken the morning after pill?

Yes, in many cases we can provide bridging contraception after emergency contraception to help protect you
from further risk of unplanned pregnancy. We’ll confirm the safest timing for starting your pill and whether you need extra precautions such as condoms.

Is the service available every day?

Service availability depends on when our pharmacist independent prescriber is on duty and their prescribing scope.
It’s a good idea to check our online booking system or contact the pharmacy if you are travelling some distance.