Pharmacy Contraception Service
Free NHS contraception consultations and oral contraception. Walk in, no GP appointment needed.
NHSAbout This Service
Our NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service gives you direct access to oral contraception without needing to see a GP first. Whether you're starting contraception for the first time, need a repeat supply, or require emergency oral contraception, our trained pharmacists can help. The service is completely free, confidential, and available without a GP referral. Just walk in.
More support available at Medway Sexual Health HubKey Facts
- Cost
- Free on the NHS
- Appointment needed?
- No, just walk in
- GP registration needed?
- No
- Confidential?
- Yes, private consultation room
- Covers
- Starting, repeat supply and emergency contraception
- Opening hours
- 7 days a week, 7:30am-10pm
What the service covers
You can start the contraceptive pill for the first time, get a repeat supply of your existing pill, or access emergency oral contraception, all without a GP appointment. Your pharmacist will take a brief medical history, check your blood pressure and BMI where needed, and make sure the option you're getting is safe and suitable for you.
If you need something the pharmacy can't provide, such as a coil (IUD/IUS), implant, or injection, we'll tell you straight away and point you to the right service, including the Medway Sexual Health Hub.
Free and confidential, for everyone
The service is funded by the NHS, so there's nothing to pay. Consultations take place in our private room, not at the counter, and everything you discuss is confidential. You don't need to be registered with a GP, you don't need your parents' knowledge or consent if you're under 16 (subject to safeguarding checks), and nothing is shared with anyone else unless there's a serious safety concern.
We're open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 10pm, which matters most for emergency contraception, where effectiveness decreases the longer you wait. If you need it, don't wait for a GP appointment: come straight in.
What to Expect
- 1A private, confidential consultation with a trained pharmacist
- 2Assessment for oral contraception initiation or ongoing supply
- 3Emergency oral contraception where appropriate
- 4Referral to a GP or sexual health clinic if needed
Who Is This For?
- Available to anyone, no GP registration required
- Free of charge on the NHS
- Walk in, no appointment needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It's an NHS-funded service, so consultations and the contraception supplied through it cost you nothing.
No. The service is open to anyone, whether or not you have a GP, and you don't need a referral. With your agreement, we can let your GP know what you've been supplied so your records stay complete.
Yes, where it's clinically appropriate, and the sooner the better, as emergency contraception becomes less effective the longer you wait. We're open until 10pm every day, so you don't need to wait for a GP appointment.
No. Consultations are confidential. We would only share information if there was a serious concern for your safety, and we'd discuss that with you first wherever possible.
Yes. After a short consultation to confirm it's still suitable for you (including a blood pressure check where needed), we can supply ongoing repeats of your current oral contraception without you needing a GP appointment each time.
Available Near You
Medway Pharmacy serves patients from across the Medway area.
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Most services available same week. No GP referral needed.