HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 cc1051-2W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether general practices will be able to opt out of providing contraceptive services; [162155]

(2) what forms of contraception may be prescribed in NHS walk-in centres; [162178]

(3) what forms of contraception are available over the counter; and what plans he has to extend this range; [162179]

(4) what powers pharmacists have to prescribe contraception; and what plans he has to change this. [162185]

Miss Melanie Johnson

General practices have always had the ability to decide whether or not to provide contraceptive services for their patients. Under the new general medical services (GMS) contract they will have to follow procedures to opt out of providing contraception as an additional service and, where they do so. for the first time primary care trusts will be responsible for securing alternative provision for patients affected.

National health service walk-in centres can provide emergency hormonal contraception as part of their core services and may also provide condoms. They exist to provide one-off episodes of care and quick access to advice and treatment for minor ailments and injuries. Therefore, it is not appropriate for them to prescribe regular methods of contraception which require follow up and repeat prescriptions.

Forms of contraception available over the counter are emergency hormonal contraception; male and female condoms, other female barrier methods (including the diaphragm or cap), spermicides and fertility devices. There are no plans currently to extend this range.

Some pharmacists are supplying emergency hormonal contraception under patient group directions which require pharmacists to satisfy certain criteria before supplying these medicines. Also, some pharmacists have undergone an approved training programme to qualify as supplementary prescribers. Under such arrangements the supplementary prescriber is able to prescribe medicines for an individual patient following diagnosis by a doctor as part of a clinical management plan agreed with the patient. Pharmacists could, under these arrangements, prescribe oral contraceptives.