The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7190 p385-391
23 March 2002

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Supermarket "criticised" for patient group direction

A supermarket pharmacy faced criticism in the national media last weekend for being part of a patient group direction pilot scheme to supply emergency hormonal contraception.

The Daily Mail's headline, "Sex pill free at Tesco", was one of a number of reports that might have caused confusion. In fact, the story referred to a PGD for supply of EHC that forms part of North Somerset Primary Care Group's teenage pregnancy strategy.

Margaret Hook, a member of the PCG's prescribing support team and chair of the local pharmaceutical committee, said: "A PGD is a legal, safe way of supplying EHC and providing structured help and support to young women who have had unprotected sex and can prevent unwanted teenage pregnancy that might have occurred as a result."

She explained that the PGD in question is directed at two areas that have high rates of teenage pregnancy. It allows free supply of EHC to women aged under 20 years. She added that Tesco had been supportive to the PCG during the difficult time experienced following the adverse press coverage.

Other pharmacies in the area, including Sainsbury's and Boots, are also taking part in similar pilot schemes that are part of the PCG's teenage pregnancy strategy.