The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7287 p216
21 February 2004

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· Which? report
· Medicines in children
· Community pharmacy
· Minor ailments service
· Branded generics
· Emergency contraception
· Workforce academy
· CPD
· The Register
· The Journal

Letters to the Editor

Emergency contraception

Protocols are needed

From a hospital pharmacist

On a bank holiday last year I needed to purchase emergency hormonal contraception for myself and I went to a local pharmacy which was open. At the counter, I requested Levonelle tablets. My request was then shouted across the shop to the pharmacist, who replied “We don’t sell it”. The pharmacist came over and gave me the names of other local chemists which were not open and then suggested I should go to Sheffield.

I understand that some pharmacists do not want to sell EHC. But my understanding is that they should have a protocol in place for suggesting other places from where to obtain it. In the end I went to a hospital minor injuries department where a nurse prescribed EHC under a patient group direction.

I felt ashamed to be a pharmacist and remain disheartened at the lack of professionalism.

Name and address withheld
297/28

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