The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7248 p664
10 May 2003

Society summary

Society defends pharmacists' contribution to sexual health services

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has emphasised that pharmacists have a proven and valuable contribution to make to sexual health in Britain.

In a press release issued on 6 May, the Society's Secretary and Registrar Ann Lewis said that she was disappointed that views aired at the recent Royal College of Nursing Congress had appeared to call into question the pharmacist's well-evidenced contribution to sexual health services.

She said: "Recognising that rapid access to emergency hormonal contraception is crucial to its successful use, the health professions have endorsed and welcomed the availability of the pharmacist's advice on and supply of EHC as a safe and effective option."

She added that women valued the wider availability of EHC now that it can be accessed from pharmacies as well as clinics, walk-in centres, surgeries and some accident and emergency centres.

"Pharmacists, for their part, are committed to making their contribution to improving the range of sexual health and contraceptive services available to women," she said.

Miss Lewis pointed out that many pharmacies have a quiet area out of earshot of others where discreet consultations can take place, and that the Society is working to help encourage more effective approaches to sharing sensitive information in the pharmacy. She emphasised that all information shared by patient in a pharmacy is treated in the strictest confidence.