More than 100 Manchester pharmacists, representing one in four of the city's pharmacies, have now joined the area's scheme for supplying emergency contraception under a patient group direction.
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A giant model tablet is being used to promote the service |
Of the 244 cases in which supply was declined, 67 were because intercourse had taken place more than 72 hours before emergency contraception was sought.
Females under 16 years old made 122 requests up to the end of July, only four of which were declined because the girls were considered to be of insufficient maturity to understand what they were doing. The majority of requests were made by women between 20 and 29 years of age. The average time taken for consultations was 10 minutes.
According to a statement issued by the Manchester, Salford and Trafford health action zone on September 1, many of the pharmacists involved are excited by the strengthening of their role in health care.
"This is a welcome change," one said. "It is gratifying that our skills are being recognised. After all, we train for five years and end up just selling combs and cough sweets."
Miss Pauline Thickett (Cohen's Pharmacy, Levenshulme) said: "This is one of the few services offered by high street pharmacies that I actually get thanked for. It is giving us more of a recognised role to help with problems in the community."
The campaign is now to be promoted by a radio advertising and poster campaign aimed at the 16-19 years age group.