The move forms part of wider efforts to improve access to women’s healthcare while reducing pressure on GP practices and other NHS services. More than just emergency contraceptionThe pharmacy service is designed to provide more than just immediate treatment. During consultations, women can also receive advice about longer-term contraception, helping to reduce the likelihood of needing emergency contraception in the future. By providing emergency contraception free of charge through local pharmacies, women can receive timely care while also discussing their wider reproductive health needs in a single visit. The latest figures suggest that making emergency contraception available through community pharmacies has already become an important part of NHS women’s healthcare.