contraceptive pill

chokolat2

Just really some advice pls.

I was wondering, is it possible to get a prescription for the contraceptive pills from a NHS walk in centre? Or does that only have to be done through your GP?

Thanks

busiscoming2

Don't know about walk in centres, but the Family Planning Clinic give them to you, obviously after a consultation.

chokolat2

Thanks for your answer..
anyone else know?

Miss_Imaginative

Again, not sure about Walk In Centres - but you're generally able to go straight into a Family Planning Clinic, get a consultation and get a prescription the same day. I imagine that Walk In Centres will run a similar policy, but your best bet would be to ring or go in and check! Never know unless you try!

Miss_I

lizzielondon

i'd imagine so. but i live in tower hamlets and under 25 so they seem to have this policy of thrusting large bags of condoms at you when all you've gone in for is a chest infection lol

ThursdayNext_2

Walk-in centres are for minor illnesses and injuries, and are mainly nurse-led. Most nurses are unable to prescribe, and since contraception isn't either an illness or an injury, it would be unlikely that you'd be able to find a specialised nurse prescriber who would be able to give you the Pill.

A doctor would give you the first prescription for the OCP at your GP surgery, but you can usually go to the practice nurse for repeat prescription appointments (at my health centre they have to get the script signed by a doctor first).

And as others have said already - ring before you go, or try Family Planning!

lizzielondon

ThursdayNext wrote: »

Walk-in centres are for minor illnesses and injuries, and are mainly nurse-led. Most nurses are unable to prescribe, and since contraception isn't either an illness or an injury, it would be unlikely that you'd be able to find a specialised nurse prescriber who would be able to give you the Pill.

A doctor would give you the first prescription for the OCP at your GP surgery, but you can usually go to the practice nurse for repeat prescription appointments (at my health centre they have to get the script signed by a doctor first).

And as others have said already - ring before you go, or try Family Planning!

the ones i've been have doctors- don't know if this is a london thing?

itsallinthemind

Where can I get it?
You can get the emergency contraceptive pill and the IUD for free from:

• a GP surgery that provides contraception,
• a contraceptive clinic (Find a clinic),
• a sexual health clinic (Find sexual health services),
• some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, and
• some young people's clinics (call 0800 567123).

You can also get the emergency pill free from:

• some pharmacies,
• most NHS walk-in centres and minor injuries units, and
• some Accident and Emergency departments.

You can buy the emergency pill from most pharmacies if you're aged 16 or over, and from some organisations such as bpas or Marie Stopes. The cost varies, but it will be around £26.



Source

ThursdayNext_2

lizzielondon wrote: »

the ones i've been have doctors- don't know if this is a london thing?

No idea! My local one in Sheffield is definitely nurse-led, and the website says they are usually run by nurses:

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/pages/Walk-incentresSummary.aspx

Emergency contraception is listed on the website, but it doesn't sound like that's what OP is looking for.

belfastgirl23

Family planning is a walk in service, ie no appointment needed. You first give the details to the receptionist, then you see the nurse to do medical history and be weighed etc, then you see the doctor who will explain to you how to use your chosen contraceptive pill. The receptionist then dispenses the pill to you so you don't get a prescription as such, you leave with the pills in your hand. My experience is that it's good to be there about 10 mins before the surgery starts and you get seen quickly, if you leave it till towards the end you can wait about a while if others are ahead of you.

Usually if you go back a second time and you've had no problems the nurse can dispense the pill for you which is even better. They will also do smears etc. it's a great service!

xmaslolly76

Can i ask the obvious question of why dont you want to go to your GP?