The idea that the supply of emergency hormonal contraception might be a good way of testing pharmacist prescribing has been raised in discussion at a meeting of the new Parliamentary All-Party Pharmacy Group.
The discussion followed a presentation by journalist and commentator Polly Toynbee to members of Parliament, peers and visitors at the group's second meeting, held at the House of Commons on February 2. Ms Toynbee said that there were good reasons why emergency hormonal contraception should be supplied by pharmacists if reducing unwanted pregnancies, especially in the very young, was to be taken seriously. She added that pharmacists' training was not being put to optimal use. She hoped the all-party group would encourage the Prime Minister's ideas of walk-in clinics to include pharmacies. |
Ms Toynbee (left) in conversation with Mr Stoate and Mrs Christine Glover (President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society) after the meeting |
One of the group's vice-chairmen, Dr Jenny Tonge, MP (Lib Dem, Richmond Park) said that, in her experience, young people did not like clinics. Pharmacies were less threatening environments in which to obtain contraceptive care and advice. The issue also covered the needs of older and married women, she pointed out, noting that most unwanted pregnancies resulting in abortions were in women over 20.
Another vice-chairman, Lord Newton, who is also Parliamentary adviser to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, pointed out that pharmacies offered highly trained health professionals in what were effectively walk-in clinics. "If we are collectively serious about maximising resource in health, we need to include pharmacies," he said.
In Ms Toynbee's view, contraception was not a medical matter. Too many protocols around supply, especially of the new, progestogen-only product, would only act as a barrier and were only needed for political reasons.
While supporting the extension of EHC supply to pharmacies, Dr Simon Fradd (chairman, Doctor Patient Partnership), felt that there was a need to balance access with patient interest. Many young people did not understand the issues. They needed screening and advice on using contraception. Quality of care should not be confused with access. Dr Stoate agreed that thought would need to be given to the kind of support that young people would need if pharmacies were to supply EHC. "As a GP, the only time I've seen EHC fail is when people don't understand how to use it. I want to ensure they know what to do if it fails."
Ms Ann Furedi (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) pointed out that hormonal EHC was most effective when taken within a short time. That was a good reason for pharmacy supply.
Ms Toynbee said that she hoped that the campaign would go forward. "This is simply one of those things that makes sense to people when they hear it," she said.